Why is Self-Care Important?
When it comes to creating a self-care routine, we can often be stuck on the pampering side of self-care — think long baths and extravagant pedicures. But, as the esmi Skin Specialists know, self-care can happen in the everyday and shouldn’t be a treat for when you feel most burnt out. But, why is self-care important? We know it can be easy to let self-care become your lowest priority and sometimes life can get the best of us. We can forget how important self-care is to nurture our physical and emotional health. Keeping this front of mind is essential for overall wellbeing, and With R U OK? Day approaching, the esmi team wants to share some of our favourite self-care suggestions so you can take some time out for you! Put your body first Self-care can be seen as indulgent and selfish, but esmi acknowledges that putting yourself first is essential for physical health. Putting your body first can differ for everybody! Some people love to cuddle up and relax, others might find that moving their body makes them feel best. You may also find you love a bit of both — yoga and matcha anyone? Whatever it is, figuring out what makes your body happy can be a game changer for your self-care routine. Skincare as self-care Once you have relaxed or pumped out a killer sweat sesh, taking care of your skin should be the next step! We may sound biased (and we are) but the stress and busyness of life can impact your skin by causing breakouts, dryness, under-eye circles or serious skin issues to flare up like eczema. Using skincare as self-care on a regular basis will help reduce and repair these skin reactions. So, why not incorporate skincare into a daily self-care ritual? Taking some time before work or after your nightly shower to slow down and apply your skincare intentionally is a great way to relax and one that the esmi team stands by. If you’re unsure what a self-care skin routine should look like try to incorporate products that are gentle on the skin, tailored to your skin type, and make you feel a little luxurious. Remember skincare should be an enjoyable experience and one that allows you to feel nurtured from the outside! Treat yourself or someone else! Self-care for your body and skin is important, but what about the small joys in life? Treating yourself to a colourful lipstick, some beautiful flowers, or a delicious coffee is a great way to add a bit of joy throughout the day. Surprising someone else with something special can also be a great way to make their day and boost your mood with some all-important serotonin. Now, we wouldn’t recommend this self-care tactic all time as it can get a little pricey, but when something is getting you down it isn’t a crime to simply treat yourself and others! Curate your space Clearing your space of clutter can be a game changer for your mental clarity. We’ve all been guilty of leaving a mess in the house due to a hectic week (especially the esmi team!) but taking time to clean and curate your space can positively affect your emotional wellbeing. You can even take it a step further and add self-care items to your clean space. Maybe a comfy robe, a relaxing essential oil or even a moisturising lip balm. Adding these items to your space can make you feel at ease and ready to love your calming self-care routine. Plan something to look forward to Looking forward to dinner with friends or an exciting holiday can make all the difference when managing any worries. Having something to look forward to can put current struggles into perspective and allow joy into your life when you need it most. Planning these events could even be a form of self-care! Creating a future for yourself that you know will spark happiness can do wonders for your day-to-day mental health and is something we encourage our esmi community to do regularly. Ask for help and accept it when offered All too often we perform our own self-care and neglect the help around us. But the truth is when we need the most self-care it can be wise to ask for help and actually accept it. It is also a great idea (when you’re feeling good) to ask others if they need help also and assist where you can! R U OK? Day is happening on September 8th and esmi stands by the organisation's purpose to encourage others to stay connected and converse with each other when times get tough. Support R U OK? Day here and learn how you can make a difference to someone who is struggling.
The Best Facial Sunscreen for Summer
Summer is coming and it’s going to be a scorcher. It’s also that time of year when we can enjoy days on the beach and live a little more — especially outside! But, what does this mean for our skin? Anytime the sun shines (including in the cooler months) UV light can damage our skin, even if you are only outside for 15 minutes (eek!). Hats and sunglasses are proven to protect your face from the sun's harsh rays but it’s never a guarantee. The most effective way to protect your face from the sun is facial sunscreen. Luckily, esmi has a specific facial Sun Skills For All that is perfect for shielding your skin from the sun, no matter what skin type or concern you have. Still not convinced you need facial sunscreen this Summer? Keep reading — trust us when we say you won’t want to miss this step in your skincare routine! Why is facial sunscreen so important? Ask the esmi team (or any dermatologist for that matter) and they will say “sunscreen is the most important product to put on your face.” And, there’s a good reason for this. Sunscreen, when applied daily, can help to prevent sun damage to the skin (duh!). But, using facial sunscreen can slow down the process of premature ageing and can prevent the development of an uneven skin tone over time. Our esmi facial sunscreen also includes the element of hyaluronic acid — making sure you’re getting a boost of hydration when applying SPF throughout the day (because yes, you do need to apply it more than once per day). This isn’t available in all facial sunscreens and is one of the active ingredients that make our Sun Skills For All effective for all skin types. Imagine waking up each morning to smooth, crease-free skin? When you use SPF on the reg this could be your reality. Can I wear facial sunscreen under makeup? Wearing makeup over sunscreen has always been a challenge. Sometimes facial sunscreens are greasy and don’t mix well, even with the best foundation and BB cream formulas. However, wearing sunscreen under makeup is most definitely recommended as makeup, including full-coverage products, will not protect your skin from the summer sun. The best sunscreen under makeup has a non-greasy formula with hydrating properties and isn’t harsh on the skin. Our formula for facial sunscreen is exactly this (you’re welcome sensitive skin queens!). The esmi team wanted (and needed) a formula that was ideal under makeup and non-comedogenic — meaning free from pore-clogging ingredients — to make sure every person could look their best and get sun protection at the same time. Summer is coming! Choose the best facial sunscreen now. esmi’s Sun Skills For All is the best facial sunscreen for your day-to-day summer adventures. Not only is it ideal for daily sun protection, but this product is also: Anti-ageing with the added benefits of carrot root oil Non-greasy and has no chalky residue Ideal for all types of skin (even sensitive and acne-prone skin!) Combined with hyaluronic acid for extra hydration Ideal under makeup Non-comedogenic (no more clogged pores!) We’ve truly made the best facial sunscreen for everyone and know that our wonderful esmi community loves it just as much as we do!
Delivering Care Packages with Ash Barty
We love our community and relish any opportunity to give back whenever we can! Someone who shares these values with us is brand ambassador Ash Barty, former women's world number one tennis player. We recently had the pleasure of partnering with Ash to provide self-care packs to some incredible COVID nurses. They work so tirelessly to provide lifesaving care and put themselves on the front line to protect us. Surprising them with everything they need for a moment of self-care was the least we can do to show our gratitude. The packs included a mix of cleansers, Booster Face Masks, and of course, the hero Probiotic Skin Mylck. Wearing protective masks every day, while incredibly important, can wreak havoc on the skin. Using probiotic skincare restores the skin barrier to prevent sensitivity, dryness, and mask-ne. The packs also included a beautiful note and video from Ash, thanking the nurses for their hard work in caring for the community. Kind words from an Aussie hero to other Aussie heroes! With Ash’s help, we were able to gift packs to over 400 nurses working in COVID wards across the GCGU, Royal Melbourne and Western Health. Providing self-care gift packs to those working so hard gives them permission to take the time to look after themselves. We strongly believe in the power of taking a moment (or two!) to look after yourself. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup! Giving back is at the heart of our values here at Makeup Cartel, and is something we will continue to do. Our customers and community allow us to do what we love - provide you with skincare that makes you feel incredible. This is our way of saying thank you. Read more about how we give back here.
Do Facial Rollers Actually Work?
You can’t scroll through Instagram or TikTok these days without seeing someone with a gorgeous glow and cheekbones for days. Just when you thought it came down to good genes, they pull out a facial roller and swear it is the key to a sculpted face. Honestly, we could not have hit that ‘add to cart’ button faster. But the million dollar question is, do facial rollers work? Let’s find out. What are the benefits of face rollers? Besides looking oh-so-cute on your dresser, face roller benefits include lymphatic drainage massaging, which helps to remove excess fluids and toxins in the body and face. Lymphatic massages give these fluids a helping hand to move along, rather than being trapped in your face. You know when you wake up and you’re feeling particularly puffy? Yup, that’s your cue to get out your facial roller. They also improve circulation and are frankly the ultimate relaxation tool. Anyone who uses a facial roller will tell you how they could spend hours rolling their face - it feels that good. If you’re a gold star skincare student, you can keep your facial roller in the fridge so that when you go to indulge in your morning self care, the coolness of the stone will help to awaken the skin and soothe inflammation. Now, besides the skincare benefits, many facial rollers are made of jade or rose quartz. These gemstones have their own healing powers, said to draw out negativity and provide balance. If you’re anything like us, you need as much help as you can get de-stressing and staying grounded. What are the benefits of a Gua Sha? Gua sha, a traditional Chinese therapy, offers several health and beauty benefits. It improves circulation by stimulating blood flow, helping to relieve muscle tension, pain, and stiffness, making it effective for conditions like neck pain and tension headaches. Gua sha also promotes lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling and puffiness, which is particularly useful in facial treatments for a sculpted look. For skin health, gua sha enhances microcirculation, encouraging collagen production, which can improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, and brighten the complexion. It also provides a soothing, massage-like effect that lowers stress and promotes relaxation, supporting emotional well-being and better sleep. Facial roller vs Gua Sha One of the cousins of the facial roller is the humble gua sha, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Gua what now? Don’t worry, we’ll explain the difference. In traditional Asian practices, the term ‘gua sha’ literally translates to ‘scrape the pain away’ which sounds pretty good if you ask us. While a facial roller helps to drain puffiness and stimulate blood flow, a gua sha tends to work on a deeper level. Thanks to its unique shape, it gives the perfect, natural facelift, sculpting and tightening the face to prevent signs of ageing. Like facial rollers, a gua sha massages the skin to avoid fluid retention, reduce puffiness and help those cheekbones pop! If you have any muscle soreness, a gua sha can help to knead out those knots. Using one is like a spa massage for your face. Need a little gua sha inspiration? Our Gua Sha Stone is made from aventurine, a quartz linked to feelings of comfort, harmony and love. Not only will it provide a natural lift of your eyebrows and jowl area, it will also soften out any fine lines. Gua Sha Before and After By now, you've probably seen the buzz around this face-sculpting massage tool. Beauty gurus and influencers alike can’t get enough of the gua sha, often calling it ‘natural botox.’ While many are drawn to its aesthetic benefits—like reducing fine lines and wrinkles—gua sha fans have discovered so much more. Beyond beauty, it’s a powerful tool for releasing stress and tension, something you didn’t know you needed daily. Many users report visible slimming and sculpting effects, with smoother lines and a lifted, buoyant complexion. Plus, the holistic benefits, like feeling energised each morning, make the gua sha a valuable addition to any routine. How to use a Facial Roller or Gua Sha The good news is whether you’re using a face roller or a gua sha, they both use pretty similar techniques when trying to make the most out of them. As we mentioned, your best bet is to store yours in the fridge and use it as part of your morning routine. After cleansing, use an oil of your choice to allow for seamless movement across your face. Our top picks are the 24K Gold Nourishing Oil to tackle dryness, or the Peppermint Green Oil to soothe inflammation. Working your way upwards, start at the base of the neck and use an upwards motion with the gua sha or roller 3-5 times in each area. Once you’re finished with the neck, move to the under eyes. Start from the middle and move outwards across the cheeks and towards the ear to help with the lymphatic drainage. Finish things off with the same routine on your forehead. The general rule is to always move upwards. We’ve put together a handy gua sha tutorial right here. When using your roller, avoid areas of active acne, otherwise you risk inflaming them further or spreading bacteria. No thanks! For the best results (and the ultimate moment of relaxation), use your facial roller or gua sha for five minutes each day and you’ll cut glass with your chiselled face in no time! Make your mornings feel like a trip to the spa with a facial roller or gua sha. Aside from feeling suuuuper relaxed, you’ll notice your puffiness literally slide away and watch the compliments ‘roll’ in - pun intended! Have any other questions about using a facial roller or gua sha? Chat to our skin consultants today!
The Ultimate Hangover Skincare Routine
We’ve all been there. You tell yourself you’ll go out with the girls just for one drink - you have an early morning wake up, after all! Then one drink turns into two, then three, and then it’s all downhill from there… We totally understand that when you get home, the only thing on your mind is sleep, and the last thing you want to be doing is a full skincare routine. And don’t even get us started on the effects a hangover can have on your skin! When it comes to hangover skincare, you need something simple and nourishing so you can get back to bed, curled up with all of the water in the world and your latest Netflix binge. So listen up, because we’re going to fill you in on a few handy tips so your skin doesn’t pay as much as your head. Why you shouldn't sleep with makeup on Hangover skin care starts the night before. In what will come as a surprise to literally no one, we have a hard ‘no makeup on while you sleep’ policy here at esmi. We know you’re tired, and we know your feet hurt, but please march yourself over to that sink and grab that cleanser. We’re not saying that this is the time to do a 10-step routine, but just taking your makeup off and applying a moisturising lotion is going to make a world of difference in the morning. Why is it so important? Glad you asked! Acne Sleeping with your makeup on puts you at risk of developing a breakout thanks to clogged pores. As we sleep, our cells undergo a regeneration process, during which time oil makes its way to the surface of the skin. When residual makeup sits on the skin after a night out, it traps the oil within the skin and there are no prizes for guessing what that means: acne. Dry Skin When we leave makeup on overnight, it has a tendency to dry out our skin, especially if your idea of night-of skincare is putting a bit of moisturiser on over your makeup. The moisturiser cannot penetrate through the makeup, making it pretty much useless. As for lipstick, leaving it on can cause chapped lips, which is never a cute look. Premature Ageing Makeup can trap dirt, oils, toxins and pollution in your skin. This increases free radicals which are nasty rouge electrons that breakdown the collagen in your skin, leading to less elasticity in the skin and fine lines and wrinkles. Makeup trapped against the skin can cause a little something called oxidative damage, which can damage the skin barrier and lead to premature ageing. We know skincare after a late night is the last thing on your mind, but please remember our voice in your head as we say: always, always take your makeup off before bed. The hangover skincare routine Whether you’ve taken your makeup off before bed or not (let’s be honest, we’ve all been there even though we’d never publicly admit it), the next morning you’re going to want to dive headfirst into a skincare routine that removes any toxins and deeply hydrates the skin. Whether you were an A+ student and washed off your makeup the night before or not, you’re going to want to start with The Uncomplicated Cleanser to deeply but gently remove any evidence from the night before, and oils that have accumulated overnight. Next up, grab one of our Gentle-Foliants to exfoliate away any dead skin and brighten up your complexion. Hey, you’re already looking more awake! From here on in, your skincare routine should be all about adding moisture back into your face. Alcohol can severely dehydrate your skin so today, hydration is our number one priority (both with water and our skincare). The Hyaluronic Hydrating Lightweight Cream Face Mask is a big drink of water for your skin thanks to the hyaluronic acid, which can hold 1,000x its weight in water. Perfect for all skin types to target issues of dehydration, oily and problematic skin, it truly is the best face mask for tired skin (read: hungover skin). It also pairs perfectly with a big bowl of pasta and reality TV. After you’ve washed that off, you’re going to want to repair the skin barrier with the Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Hydration. It is a light moisturising lotion that will soothe the skin, while the good bacteria will strengthen the skin and increase hydration. The last step is to grab your pillowcases and throw them in the wash. They may be harbouring residual makeup and who knows what other oils and nasties. Best to get them familiar with a bit of soap and warm water for good measure. Don’t worry, we’re not here to tell you to ditch the margaritas for good, but we are telling you to take care of your skin as well! Before you leave the house this weekend, leave your products out for easy access so you remember to take your makeup off before you hit the hay, along with products that are going to save your skin in the morning. Those extra 5 minutes really are worth it. If you have any other questions about hangover skincare, chat to our skincare experts.
The Secrets To Preventing Fine Lines & Wrinkles
We’re so excited you’ve brought plumping products that will take your skin from lined to luminous. Stick your new fine lines and wrinkles skincare routine on your bathroom mirror and follow along daily from Monday through Sunday for beautifully radiant skin in no time. But first, let’s take a deep dive into why your skin might be creased and what smoothing products could complement your skincare ritual. What Fine Lines & Wrinkles Mean As you gracefully age you might start to notice fine lines and wrinkles forming creases in your skin. Over time, your skin loses flexibility and is no longer able to spring back into place meaning grooves from facial movements and expressions can become permanent features. These typically form around your eyes, mouth and neck thanks to the raising of your eyebrows leading to forehead furrows and frown lines from frustration or concentration. It’s harder for your skin to hold onto moisture as you age so as naturally occurring hyaluronic acid declines, your skin can be left feeling dehydrated and rough. Hyperpigmentation is also part of the natural ageing process so darkening of the skin under the eye is common. You can give a shout-out to the loss of collagen and thinning skin around the eye area meaning blood vessels beneath the eyes also become more visible. Fine Lines Vs Wrinkles Collagen and elastin form the support structure for skin, giving it that supple shape and firmness we all long for. Fine lines and wrinkles are then caused when those collagen and elastin fibres break down and the skin begins to lose its elasticity and strength, talk about dramatic. There are three types of lines you’ll find as you age: Superficial lines are very fine and can be easily improved with the right anti-aging skincare products. Dynamic wrinkles are from repeated facial movements and aren’t as obvious when your face is relaxed, we like to think of them as laugh lines. Static wrinkles are a true loss of gravity and elasticity meaning they’re deep set in the dermal layer of your skin and visible even when your face is relaxed. Can Fine Lines & Wrinkles Be Prevented? Intrinsic ageing means your skin becomes less elastic and more fragile while the decreased production of natural oils leaves your skin feeling dry and creased. Without supportive connective tissue, your skin loses strength and flexibility. Hormone levels, cells and proteins also play a part alongside genetics in determining your skin structure and texture. The first visible signs of skin ageing start to appear when you’re around 25 years old so the bottom line is that we’re all eventually going to get a few. Fine lines can be just as beautiful as youthful round cheeks, don’t you think there’s just something sweet about laugh lines? Extrinsic ageing is caused by external factors like lifestyle and environmental pollution from smoking, pollutants and sun exposure. UV light breaks down your skin's connective tissue so to pause and protect against premature ageing, you should be applying SPF every day, rain or shine! Applying an enriching sunscreen also helps lock in moisture by creating a physical barrier on top of the skin. Our silky Skin Shield SPF 30 Sunscreen is perfect for layering under makeup with a non-greasy formula that includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and cucumber extract. Moisturising is an important step in your skincare ritual as it helps trap water in the skin so you look and feel younger! If you’re feeling extra dry, why not substitute your PM moisturiser for our 24K Gold Nourishing Oil? Formulated for dry skin types, it prevents moisture loss while addressing dryness, dehydration, fine lines and wrinkles. With jojoba seed oil to regulate oil flow, it absorbs quickly into the skin so you’re left feeling moisturised, plump and glowing. It’s best to finish your routine with to lock in a protective barrier on the skin for maximum hydrating effects. The Best Ingredients For Fine Lines & Wrinkles To combat fine lines and wrinkles, you need strengthening and vitamin-rich ingredients that keep your complexion hydrated and bouncy so your skin can naturally retain oils and moisture. Products with humectant ingredients attract moisture from the air and the deep levels of your skin to the surface layer, keeping your skin’s barrier hydrated. Replenishing products should also contain occlusives as these moisturising ingredients form a protective barrier around the surface of your skin to minimise moisture evaporating. Occlusives will also physically block transepidermal water loss which is the process where water evaporates from the skin, pretty cool right? Any emollients in skin care products will also help with skin barrier function, leading to an overall improvement in skin texture and appearance so you can actually say you woke up like this. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin which you also know as retinal, retinol, retinoic acid or beta-carotene. Hailed for its anti-aging benefits, Vitamin A stimulates collagen production to improve skin elasticity and help new blood vessels form for firmer and brighten skin. If that isn’t the ultimate anti-wrinkle treatment then we don’t know what is! You might get your 5+ a day in but is it going straight to your skin? Adding products with all-star anti-ageing Vitamin C to your skincare ritual means you’ll have free-radical protection for an even skin tone that’s brighter and smoother. It also reduces the appearance of under-eye circles, provides hydration and promotes collagen production for a natural glow. Hyaluronic acid is incredible for drawing water into flat cells and holding onto it for rapid hydration benefits. It can hold 1000x its weight in water to internally boost water content that deeply hydrates, keeping skin plump and minimising fine lines. Use our best-selling skin treats, Ageless Hyaluronic Serum and Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum, to give your beautiful skin that extra bounce from the inside out. We like to think of this serum as a tall drink of water for your skin that can give a hydration shot of up to 25% within just two hours, talk about a thirst quencher! The Best Products To Reduce Wrinkles Anti-ageing skincare should target wrinkles and fine lines while addressing other signs of ageing including dullness, uneven skin tone and pigmentation. This is where we come in, start your daily ritual with these naturally plumping products for a radiant and youthful complexion. The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Ageing The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Ageing works gently but deeply to lift away impurities and pollutants while balancing, smoothing and enhancing skin softness and moisture. Creamy anti-ageing peptides plump and hydrate while aloe vera calms and heals inflammation. Your skin will also be left protected with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of camellia leaf (green tea) extract! Anti-Aging Eye Serum The skin under your eyes is the thinnest on your entire face so you can look instantly refreshed and youthful with our Anti-Aging Eye Serum. The gel serum includes octapeptide SNAP-8 which has been hailed as a topical alternative to cosmetic injectables, reducing wrinkles by up to 63%. You’ll look instantly refreshed as it lifts and tightens to reduce wrinkle depth while fighting crow's feet and puffiness. Anti-Ageing Gel Repair Mask Combat the signs of ageing and fatigue with our 24K gold-infused Anti-Ageing Gel Repair Mask. It contains anti-aging peptides that reduce the depth of wrinkles caused by facial muscle contractions, being a topical alternative to injections. Beautiful antioxidants soften fine lines, boost skin elasticity to restore youthful suppleness to the skin and defend against free radical damage so you can take a moment to yourself. If you’re just getting started on your skincare journey, glow up with our Firming Skin Solution Bundle to restore your skin health and inner confidence.
Up-and-Coming Beauty & Makeup Trends 2023
2023 is here (where did that time go) and we’re super excited about what’s to come in the beauty and makeup trends space for the new year. But what will the top beauty trends of 2023 look like? Will a skincare-first approach take the beauty community by storm or is it all about creating a makeup look with bolder colours at the forefront? Whatever your favourite beauty routines and products are, there is a range of trends to jump on and explore in the new year. So, let’s get trendy! Protecting the Skin Barrier Taking care of your skin through quality skincare is nothing new but what about targeting your skin barrier specifically? What is the skin barrier you may ask? The purpose of your skin barrier is to protect your skin from harsh environments which often cause damaged skin — think humid or dry environments, sun and harsh chemical exposure, and even over-exfoliation can cause damage to the skin barrier. This is why gentle, non-toxic skincare will be a staple in your product cabinet in 2023! Get ahead of the trend and try our Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum! Containing Vitamin B3 and allantoin for skin repair as well as hyaluronic acid (of course) to hydrate the skin throughout the day both with and without makeup, to ensure your skin barrier is protected to the fullest. Sunscreen is Queen SPF has proven to be the most effective preventative skincare measure in 2022 and will continue to be a staple in 2023 (and hopefully beyond!). Not only does adding SPF into your morning routine protect your skin from the harsh sun rays, but it also prevents ageing and the appearance of skin impurities. Many sunscreen brands, including esmi, are adding extra elements to their sunscreen formula like carrot root oil and hyaluronic acid for added hydration and plumping fine lines. It’s no doubt that using a facial sunscreen that works for you and your skin on a deeper level will be the next big thing in sunscreen development! Skin Minimalism The no makeup, makeup look has been around long before 2023. But, it used to be the case that many products would be used to create this ‘no makeup look’ — not anymore! In 2023 we are levelling up and choosing select products based on quality that will become staples in our day-to-day. The term skin minimalism means focusing on products that benefit the skin to ensure you don’t have to wear as much makeup. This is a great trend to jump on for those on the go or people who want a less intensive makeup routine in 2023. Get involved in this trend through our Liquid Mineral Foundation which promotes coverage as well as powerful vitamins and antioxidants for skin health! Brushed-Up Brows Gone are the days of one-dimensional brows — enter brushed-up brows! For those who don’t know, brushed-up brows is a technique that allows your eyebrow to stand straight and gives a feathered look. This natural brow look is perfect for those who want to make their brows stand out without going crazy with the product. As with skin minimalism, this brushed-up brow 2023 trend will be a staple in everyone's daily makeup routine. To get this brow look try our Zebra Clear Brow Gel for long-wearing brushed-up brows! Statement Lip Colours The nude lip and minimal makeup has its moment, but 2023 is here and it’s time to add some colour! Statement lips colours are set to be all the rage in 2023 and not just for nights out. Rocking a bold lip in the office, at a casual lunch or when shopping with friends will be common, making your bold makeup look even bolder! Will wearing a statement lip be your go-to makeup trend in 2023? If so check out our Lipstick range over at Lip Heroes! Eyes that Pop! No doubt the Gen Z’s of the world have been killing it lately with their creative and colourful eye looks that pop! We’re talking eyeliner designs that break the rules and the use of super bright colours to match every single detail of their outfit. This makeup trend is set to continue in 2023 and with the help of some killer eye products you can make the most of it! Scalp-Centered Hair Care Ensuring your hair remains healthy from the scalp is set to be the most popular hair beauty trend of 2023. Not only does scalp health help with hair growth and strength from the get-go, it also regulates oil production and removes dead skin cells (goodbye dandruff), leaving the scalp balanced and healthy for the long term! Scalp treatments can be bought separately but why not have them included in your shampoo and conditioner? esmi Hair Care is the best way to jump on this trend early and incorporate it into your hair-washing cycle. It’s a yes from us for scalp care in 2023! Which beauty and makeup trends will you try in 2023? The esmi team are ready for what the beauty and makeup industry has in store for us in 2023. Whether you want to simplify your makeup routine or take your skincare to the next level, 2023 is the year for it!
Our Commitment to Sustainable Skincare
Here at Makeup Cartel, we always want to be part of the solution, not the problem. It is no secret that the skincare and cosmetics industries have the potential to be detrimental to the environment, but they don’t have to be - we’re living proof that it’s possible to be an ethical skincare brand! We’ve made a serious commitment to creating eco friendly skincare wherever we can. It is at the heart of everything we do and is something we take really seriously - it’s up there with creating really, really good skincare! Our Sustainability Initiatives All of the plastic in our products is biodegradable and breaks down in 5-10 years, as opposed to the 100s of years it takes your stock standard plastic to break down. Mother Earth doesn’t have time to wait that long, and neither do we! Oh, and to make things even better, our packaging doesn’t leave behind any microplastics. Pretty clever, hey? As part of being a sustainable skincare brand, we’ve made sure that all of our glass and cardboard packaging is recyclable. That means, once you’ve finished using and loving your esmi products, clean out the glass packaging (and remove any plastic components) and send that beauty straight to recycling. Easy as pie! Speaking of glass bottles, did you know you can repurpose them? It’s true! Use them to house a new sapling or as the perfectly sized container for your favourite skincare when travelling. Read more about repurposing your glass bottles here. Our ingredient lists are predominately natural and completely clean, so they don’t contain any nasties that are going to harm the earth. After all, you wouldn’t put anything toxic on your skin, right? Plus, part of creating ethical skincare, means our products are completely cruelty-free, so we absolutely don’t test on animals. And just as the icing on the cake, all esmi products are completely vegan, so you won’t see any animal products in our skincare. We love to see it! We want our gorgeous esmi customers to enjoy our products for many years to come, which means we need to put our planet first! Creating sustainable skincare that you love using is our mission and we reckon we’ve done a great job of it, if we do say so ourselves!
What are AHAs in Skincare?
What are AHAs in skincare? You’ve probably figured out by now that those of us in the skincare world love an acronym - hey, some of those ingredients are really wordy! Speaking of loving an acronym, one of our absolute favourites is AHAs, otherwise known as alpha hydroxy acids. If you haven’t had your ‘aha!’ moment on what AHAs are (pardon the pun), by the time you finish reading you’ll well and truly be a member of their fan club. Without further ado, let’s dive into alpha hydroxy acids for skin. What are AHAs? While we’re keen to shout about why we love AHAs from the rooftops, let’s take a step back and ask the million dollar question - what are AHAs in skincare? They are acids (duh), but don’t let that word scare you - they are perfectly safe. They are often plant-derived and considered chemical exfoliants that buff away dead skin and congestion on the top layers of the skin. You may be more familiar with physical exfoliants (the gritty scrubs), but chemical exfoliants can penetrate deeper into the skin as they are water soluble. Plus, they won’t leave your skin red raw if used gently. There are 7 types of AHAs, but the most commonly researched (and the ones we’re going to be discussing today) are lactic and glycolic acids. AHAs benefits for skin AHA skin care is a favourite among dermatologists, and for good reason. In fact, the list of reasons to get behind AHAs is extensive, but we’re going to narrow it down to our top four. Great for acne-prone skin If you’re someone who struggles with acne, AHAs could be your golden ticket to clear skin. We all know that acne occurs as a result of clogged pores, and the beauty of AHAs is their ability to loosen whatever is clogging your pores and remove any dirt or sebum. This also means AHAs can make pores appear smaller, as they’re not as congested. Thanks to their exfoliating powers, glycolic and lactic acids also help to reduce the appearance of acne scars and overall skin tone. Anti-ageing benefits As we age, our skin is exposed to damaging environmental factors like pollution and UV rays. That, in combination with the cruelty of time means fine lines and wrinkles start to show up on our skin. The beauty of AHAs is their ability to promote collagen production. Collagen (the protein fibres that keep our skin plump) lies in the middle layer of the skin, where AHAs can reach. They destroy old collagen fibres to make way for fresh ones. Plus, AHAs in skincare also increase blood flow to the skin to give you a gorgeous radiance. Hydrate the skin AHAs will have your skin feeling soft and supple in a flash thanks to their hydrating powers. Some AHAs, like glycolic acid, are what’s known as humectants, meaning they draw water from their surroundings to the skin. Yup, that means while they exfoliate, you also get a hydrated glow. AHAs can also help other skincare products like your hydrating serum and moisturiser work more effectively, by removing dead skin cells that are stopping all of the good stuff from getting deep into the skin. Otherwise, your products are just moisturising dead skin and we don’t need to tell you that’s never going to work so well. Fades hyperpigmentation Using AHAs on a regular basis can help reduce the appearance of dark marks caused by sun damage, ageing or hormonal changes in pregnancy. AHAs increase cell turnover which allows newer skin, without pigmentation, to shine through. Skincare containing AHAs Like we said, there are at least seven types of AHAs, so knowing what to look for on your ingredients list can be a bit like acing a chemistry test. Luckily, we left tests behind in high school, so we’ve made it simple. Here are some esmi Skin Minerals products containing AHAs that will have people asking you who your facialist is (you can give them our details). Our go-to is the Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum. It contains 10% Fruit Acid Combination AHA's (5% Glycolic Acid and 5% Lactic Acid) to naturally and gently unclog pores and speed up cell renewal. It draws out impurities and works like a dream on blackheads, just FYI. If congested (rough and bumpy skin) has you down, reach for this little beauty. After using the Charcoal Serum, lock in moisture and get an extra dose of lactic acid with the Detox Hydra-Fluid Moisturiser. It will help to increase cellular turnover to leave skin smooth and soft, as well as featuring Red Algae Extract to hydrate and revitalise the skin. Before you lather on the AHAs, keep in mind the other ingredients in your skincare routine. You can layer your AHAs under any vitamin C serums, but they don’t play nicely with retinol as they are both exfoliants and can irritate the skin. If AHAs aren’t already a part of your skincare routine, do yourself a favour! They speed up your cell turnover by exfoliating the skin without harsh scrubs, leaving you with a clear, and brighter complexion - um, big yes to that! If you need a little more help figuring out which AHA products are right for you, chat to our skin consultants.
What is Clean Beauty?
Clean beauty. It’s a niche that has dominated the skincare world in recent years and is definitely here to stay. What does “clean beauty” really mean, though? Well, the answer you get may depend on who you ask! The term is quite open to interpretation and there are differing views about the *exact* definition. In general, though, clean beauty describes products that are formulated with natural and plant-based ingredients and without any chemicals that have been deemed harmful to human health. This includes the 3 compounds we love to hate - parabens, phthalates, and sulfates which have been linked to concerns from skin irritation to hormone disruption. Beyond ingredients, clean beauty brands also extend their mindful formulation philosophies to include cruelty-free product testing and sustainable production. Clean beauty means clean ingredients We’re proud and passionate about the high clean beauty standards of esmi products. From ingredients through to testing and packaging, we believe in being totally transparent about how our products are made, what goes in them, and how they’re tested. Natural & plant-derived ingredients We use effective plant-based actives and natural ingredients in our formulations to help address a range of skin concerns from dehydration, and dullness to hyperpigmentation and signs of ageing. Some of our most-loved natural and plant-derived ingredients include: Aloe vera: Moisture promoting and skin-repairing aloe vera contains active ingredients including vitamins (vitamins A (beta-carotene), C, E and B12), enzymes, minerals, salicylic acids, and amino acids. Pomegranate: Contains Vitamin C to help with skin brightening and encourages skin repair and regeneration. Gold leaf: A natural antioxidant with active properties, gold helps boost circulation, stimulate collagen, and increase skin elasticity. Kakadu plum: The world’s most potent natural source of vitamin C, this Australian super fruit helps diminish the appearance of dark spots and promotes a glowing complexion. Avocado oil: A natural oil with a high percentage of active Vitamin E which is proven to aid in strengthening the skin barrier and keeping skin moisturised. Clean beauty products can also contain safe synthetic “nature identical” ingredients that are healthy and effective for the skin. Nature identical ingredients are synthetic (created in a lab) but they are safe and stable for use - ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and synthetically produced Vitamin A are good examples. Plus, the production of synthetic ingredients is often more environmentally responsible than harvesting the ingredient from natural sources. Living cultures for your skin to thrive Our probiotic skincare range is formulated with a scientifically developed probiotic lysate strain. These live cultures (aka: good bacteria) benefit the skin by helping strengthen the skin barrier and maintain balance. You can discover more about the benefits of probiotics in this article - a recommended read for anyone with sensitive skin. Probiotics can do wonders for a reactive complexion! FDA approved We only use the highest quality TGA and FDA approved ingredients in our products. This means they are safe for consumers under labelled or customary conditions of use, and are properly labelled. View our full ingredients page here and the ingredients of each product under the "INGREDIENTS" tab on each product page. Clean Beauty Doesn’t Cost The Earth At esmi we’re proud to play a role in promoting ethical, safe and more sustainable product choices across the skincare industry and beyond. We want to drive change by helping to create a world where all businesses are conscious and ethical. It’s not only your skin we care about with our safe formulations; we care about animals and the environment too! Cruelty-free esmi products are completely cruelty-free and we’re committed to no animal testing at any stage. We use FDA approved cruelty-free ingredients and the final product is tested on happy human volunteers! We don’t sell our products to countries where animal testing is mandatory, either. Packaging We design our packaging with the environment in mind so all esmi products come in recyclable packaging. The shipping bags and boxes we use are biodegradable too - even the white packaging fill is all natural and non-toxic. It’s made from corn and is water-soluble. Shop esmi Skin Minerals range for clean beauty in Australia and discover skin solutions for every skin type and concern. You might also like to read: Our Favourite Natural Skincare Products Myths About Certain Ingredients 5 Amazing Vegan Skin Care Products
Real Results: Deborah
“I’m so happy and so confident in my skin!” We’re so excited to share Deborah’s skin story and the fantastic results she’s seen since using esmi Skin Minerals products. For as long as Deborah could remember, she had suffered from red, dry, and irritated skin. It was itchy, uncomfortable and really affecting her confidence. If that wasn’t enough, Deborah was experiencing perioral dermatitis; inflammation around the mouth causing red bumps. Products she had tried in the past seemed to be worsening the problem, causing flare ups in sensitivity and her perioral dermatitis. Deborah was on the hunt for products that would soothe her irritated skin, calm inflammation and keep her dermatitis away. Spoiler alert: that’s where we came in! “I was online one day and came across esmi. I reached out to one of the consultants who was absolutely beautiful and who led me on my skin journey.” Our skin expert listened to Deborah’s concerns, looked at photos of her skin and created an anti-redness skincare routine for her sensitive skin. “We slowly worked to where I am today.” The skincare routine Deborah now follows focuses on calming irritation, nourishing the skin and protecting the skin barrier. She starts with the Probiotic Skin Mylck Cleanser to remove the day’s dirt and grime. Deborah was hesitant to use a cleanser, as they are what used to cause the bulk of the irritation, but she was pleasantly surprised by this one. It is ultra gentle, and helps heal, protect and maintain the skin’s moisture balance. Next come Skin Treats. Deborah uses the Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum to keep her skin plump and hydrated, all while giving her a boost of radiance and protecting her skin. The Probiotic Skin Mylck acts as her calming and restorative moisturising lotion. The good bacteria protect and heal the skin barrier and soothe inflamed, damaged skin. She follows this up with the Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil, which reduces redness thanks to the magic of acai oil. Deborah also keeps the Skin Snack Face Mist at her work desk to keep her hydrated and refreshed all day. Of course, she protects her skin everyday with the Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen. “I stopped using sunscreens as they would break me out with dermatitis, but with this one, I have not had any reactions at all!” As a once a week treat, Deborah uses the Rose and Bamboo Gentle-Foliant to (gently!) remove any buildup of dead skin, and the Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask to deeply soothe, nourish and moisturise the skin. And what results has she seen from her new routine? “My skin isn’t red, definitely not itchy, not irritated. It feels hydrated. I’m so happy and confident in my skin!” Deborah has some advice for anyone struggling with skin concerns. “Reach out to one of esmi’s skin consultants and they will guide you on your skin journey.” “I am so glad I reached out to one of the consultants who knows what they’re talking about and guided me to where I am today. I hope that you’re going to be as happy with your skin journey as I am!” We’re so thrilled to see Deborah’s amazing skin transformation and we’d like to thank her for sharing her skin story with us! Meet more beautiful people who have achieved amazing results with esmi Skin Minerals on our Real Results page. If you’d like to book a free skin consultation with our skin specialists, speak to us on chat or send an email to skin@esmi.com.au.
Caffeine Eye Serum for Tired Eyes
We see what all the caffeine buzz is about in skincare. If you’re struggling with a tired, sagging eye area read on to find out more about caffeine’s firming, brightening and calming benefits. Caffeine for eye bags & dark circles Is coffee your non-negotiable morning pick-me-up? We feel you! You’ll be happy to know caffeine eye cream can give your skin a boost in the A.M too. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictive ingredient. This means it temporarily restricts the blood vessels which can improve the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. The skin around your eyes is extremely thin which makes the veins underneath easy to see. By constricting the blood vessels, they become less visible and shadows are improved. This tightening effect caffeine has on the skin also minimises under-eye bags for a fresher, tauter looking eye area. Caffeine to soothe skin Coffee for skin care can help soothe and calm inflamed, irritated skin. The chlorogenic acids (CGA) found in caffeine are a class of phenolic acids that can help reduce inflammation in a red, itchy eye area. Caffeine eye cream can also diffuse the free radical activity that leads to signs of ageing around the eye area. How does caffeine fight free radicals? With its potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect skin cells against the damage done by UV radiation (free radicals attacks) to slow down the signs of premature ageing in the eye area. Serums for tired eyes Caffeine isn’t the only ingredient that helps firm a sagging, dull eye area. Our serums for tired eyes are formulated with a wealth of brightening, hydration and anti-ageing ingredients - including caffeine. Anti-Ageing Eye Serum Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, SNAP-8™(peptides), caffeine, and Vitamin E. esmi Anti-Ageing Eye Serum fights signs of ageing around the delicate eye area - crows feet, puffiness, dryness, and fine lines. Hydrating Eye Serum Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and caffeine. With a team of caffeine and super hydrator hyaluronic acid, esmi Hydrating Eye Serum restores under-eye skin to youthful looking radiance - a fresher, firmer, depuffed eye area. Brightening Eye Serum Key ingredients: Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), caffeine, Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. esmi Brightening 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. Caffeine skin care FAQs What does caffeine do for your skin? Caffeine tightens, depuffs, and soothes skin thanks to its antioxidant and vasoconstrictive properties. Is caffeine in skincare safe? Caffeine in skincare is generally considered safe for all skin types. However, if you are allergic to caffeine, avoid it in your skincare products. Is caffeine good for under eyes? Yes, caffeine is good for under the eyes as it targets puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles for a firmer, more youthful eye area. What does caffeine in an eye cream or serum do? Caffeine helps make your eye area look fresher, brighter, and firmer. View our full range of Eye Treatments to brighten, hydrate, and firm tired eyes in need of extra TLC. You Might Also Like to Read What Does Gold Leaf Do in Skincare? Tired Skin? Here’s How to Wake It Up Revive Dull Skin
esmi Skin Minerals Real Results: Brooke Schmidt
“The best thing I ever did for my skin.” Meet Brooke. With painful, burn-like reactions that would swell up, leaving the skin raw, red and very irritated, Brooke had been on quite the skin journey before finding esmi.
6 Hyaluronic Acid Benefits For Hair
For those of you playing the esmi drinking game at home, you can take a shot because we’re about to talk about one of our favourite ingredients: hyaluronic acid. No wait, don’t click away, we promise this is different! We’re going to be chatting about hyaluronic acid for hair. While it might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to hair care, we know that skincare doesn’t end at the hairline. A lot of the ingredients we love for our skin also have some amazing benefits for the scalp and the hair. Today, we’re breaking down 6 hyaluronic acid benefits for hair. Hair hydration Hyaluronic acid provides deeply nourishing hydration without the risk of greasy build-up, thanks to how quickly it sinks into the scalp and hair follicles. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it attracts moisture from its surroundings like a magnet, giving your hair a big drink of water, keeping it smooth and super hydrated. We’ll get into why that’s so important in a bit… Scalp hydration Like we said, we take a scalp-first approach to haircare (you can read more about that here). After all, by supporting the scalp microbiome, we can keep the hair happy and healthy. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture to the scalp to keep it nice and hydrated. Just like how you can’t have wine without cheese, you can’t have healthy hair follicles without a healthy scalp. Hydrating the scalp is going to keep flakiness away and reduce hair loss by creating an environment conducive to hair growth. Reduces Frizziness One of the best hyaluronic acid benefits for hair is its ability to keep frizz under control. For those of us who dread a rainy day thanks to our hair getting a bit wild, hyaluronic acid is going to be your saviour. Frizzy hair can often be a sign of dry or damaged hair, and if you’re suffering from one or the other, or both, the outer cuticle opens up in an attempt to let in that much needed moisture. When too much moisture is retained, these cuticles start to swell and voila, your hair might be looking like you just touched one of those balls of electricity from middle school science class. To avoid the frizz, your best bet is to keep dryness at bay with hyaluronic acid. Improves porosity of hair If you’re wondering, “what is hair porosity?”, don’t worry, just consider us Google! Porosity is the measure of your hair’s ability to absorb and store moisture. Majority of the time, porosity is determined by good ol’ genetics and external factors like the use of heat appliances. Having dry, damaged or bleached hair means it is going to be higher on the porosity spectrum, so you’re more susceptible to losing moisture. Think of it like filling up a bucket of water with holes in the bottom - you’re going to lose all that moisture! Hyaluronic acid plugs those holes and helps your follicles retain hydration. Helps to Treat Dermatitis If you’ve got a bad case of seborrheic dermatitis (in other words, dermatitis on the scalp), you’re going to want to get friendly with hyaluronic acid. Signs of seborrheic dermatitis include a red and itchy scalp, as well as dandruff. Most of the time, this type of dermatitis occurs in high oil-producing areas of the body, like the scalp, and is triggered by factors like stress, hormones, cold weather or harsh chemicals. Hyaluronic acid is going to help calm inflammation and irritation, keeping dermatitis at bay and boosting hydration. Suitable for everyone While some moisturising products can cause one’s hair to feel heavy and greasy, hyaluronic acid is suitable for all hair types and textures, just like it is great for all skin types. We love an inclusive ingredient! Hair products including hyaluronic acid When you’re scouring the internet for hair products that contain hyaluronic acid, you might be a little confused by the lack of options. That’s only because in reality, most hair products will list sodium hyaluronate instead, which is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. Being smaller in structure, it can penetrate deeper into the scalp and hair follicles. If you’re looking for your new favourite hyaluronic acid shampoo and conditioner, you’re in luck. We happen to know the perfect ones! The esmi Hydrating Shampoo and Hydrating Conditioner are rich in hyaluronic acid to boost hydration for healthier, smoother and more nourished hair. With the help of our unique biome blend of probiotic lysates, our Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner is going to also hydrate your scalp and restore your precious skin barrier. If you haven’t tried hyaluronic acid for hair, your world is about to be changed (dramatic, but true). Want to know more? Chat to our esmi skin (and now scalp!) experts today.
All About Fragrance in Skincare
We can all agree that there’s something so luxurious about applying your skincare and being greeted with a gorgeous scent. It’s that “I’ve just been to the spa” feeling that makes you feel so zen. For some people, the scent is what makes or breaks a product. Here at esmi, we like to take a natural approach with our products which has a fantastic bonus - gorgeous scents! Having said that, not all fragrances are created equal. In most cases, it comes down to individual preference, but there are definitely some fragrances that you don’t want to come within ten yards of your precious face. Synthetic vs Natural Fragrance Your natural skincare fragrances are derived from the natural ingredients in the product, also known as the essential oils. They predominantly come from a plant’s flowers, leaves or roots, with some common examples including lemongrass and tea tree oils. These ingredients can be super beneficial for your skin while also smelling great - win, win! Synthetic fragrances are made in a lab using a mixture of chemicals. You can usually tell pretty quickly as although it might smell luxe, it won’t smell particularly natural. These mixes of chemicals can prove to be irritating on the skin. Annie Chiu, MD board-certified dermatologist says synthetic fragrances are a leading cause of contact dermatitis and allergic cosmetic reactions. Eeek! If your skin doesn’t mind synthetic fragrances, still use them lightly and not in every product integrated into your routine. Prolonged use can cause irritations to develop over time. Here at esmi, we avoid synthetic fragrances of all kinds for this very reason! Skincare is never a ‘one size fits all’ situation, so figuring out what you like (more importantly, what your skin likes) is key. Benefits of Fragrance in Skincare If fragrance in skincare is your thing (and it is absolutely our thing!), you’re always going to want to err on the side of natural. Apart from smelling gorgeous, the essential oils where the natural fragrances come from have heaps of other pluses. Much like the benefits of aromatherapy (which also uses essential oils, coincidentally), natural fragrance skincare can promote emotional and physical healing. These products can alleviate stress and work wonders on boosting your mood, like a shot of serotonin! Besides the benefits for your mental well-being, some products containing essential oils can also minimise inflammation and slow down ageing. Um, yes please! Essential oils are also rich in antioxidants which can hydrate and protect your skin! Plus, there is some research to suggest that essential oils like lemongrass and tea tree have acne-fighting powers. Is there anything they can’t do?! Between creating a relaxing experience and skin boosting properties, natural fragrances can make the whole skincare routine a more enjoyable experience, and we say a big “heck yes” to that! How to Approach Fragrance in Skincare In terms of how to approach fragrance in skincare, the answer is tentatively. Natural fragrances can make for a super luxe skincare routine, but it is not always easy to tell the difference between natural and synthetic. Always patch test products by using a small amount on your hands and waiting 24 hours to see if a reaction develops. If it all looks clear, then you’ve got the green light to become obsessed with this product! On the flip side, if your patch test reveals some not-so-fun irritation, keep a note of the product and any ingredients (especially fragrances) so you know what your skin is saying “no thanks” to. The golden rule is to always look for products that use high quality ingredients (*cough* esmi *cough*). We are all about using natural and nourishing ingredients that are effective because would you believe, we want you to love our products (and the way they smell). Investing in high quality, mainly natural ingredients is going to produce better results which will not only save you money in the long run (did someone say shopping trip?), but will make you that much more excited to settle in for your skincare routine, which can only be a good thing, right? If you want to know more about fragrances in skincare, our skin consultants have extensive knowledge all there is to know in this area. Get in touch today!
How to Stop Skin Picking
Does anyone else have that friend who is obsessed with popping pimples? If you don’t, you’re probably the friend. If you’re guilty of skin picking, don’t worry, this is a safe space. While we here at esmi are believers in the no-face-touching policy, we know it can be hard to resist the urge to pick that pimple that is driving you crazy. While it might seem like no big deal, skin picking can cause long-lasting damage and scarring. So, let’s help you jump off the picking bandwagon with some do’s and don’ts. Why do we pick our skin? It’s fairly normal for people to pick at the bumps on their face from time to time, and it often comes down to being a bad habit or stress related. However, if picking becomes chronic, it may be a medical skin-picking disorder called excoriation. Now in those extreme cases, it might be time to visit a naturopath or GP, but if you’re a regular old skin picker, read on. For most, skin picking starts with pimples and acne, but can also surface thanks to a rash that can lead to scabbing. Picking at your skin can become so routine, you don’t even think about it - kind of like opening Instagram every time you turn on your phone. You might not even notice you’re doing it! Aside from a habit, skin picking can be a symptom of anxiety. Have you gone through a really stressful time in your life recently? You might notice skin picking becomes a subconscious relief mechanism. How to stop skin picking - the do’s Do keep your hands busy Whether the root cause of your skin picking is habit or stress, keeping your hands occupied can go a long way to letting the urge to pick pass. Okay hear us out, stress balls. We know it sounds silly, but they help to relieve stress and take your mind off skin picking. Keep one near your bed or in your bathroom. If the humble stress ball sounds like a stretch to you, take up a habit like crocheting - crochet bucket hats are having a moment! Another option is to replace the bad habit with a good one. Every time you feel the need to pick your face, moisturise instead. In dire cases, if you think you might be picking in your sleep, grab yourself a cheap pair of gloves to wear while you sleep, just at least until your skin has a chance to heal. Do keep your nails short & clean Okay, we love using Kylie Jenner’s Instagram as our nail inspo, but if you’re prone to skin picking, you’re going to want to keep them on the shorter side to avoid too much damage to your gorgeous skin. Plus, and perhaps more importantly, keep your nails clean - please! The underside of your nails can harbour bacteria which, if you are picking, can end up under your skin and in some cases lead to infection (as if you needed another reason not to chew them). Do have a skin picking-friendly skincare routine Remember what we said about bacteria under the skin causing infections? Yeah, that’s why you’re going to want to use products that keep your skin clean and help it to heal. As is the case with any open wounds, keeping your skin clean is vital. Cleansing twice a day with The Uncomplicated Cleanser will send nasty bacteria packing which is exactly what we want! If pimples are what’s causing your skin picking, time to adopt an anti-acne routine, featuring the Fresh Sea and Salty Sand Gentle-Foliant (to gently remove congestion) and the Peppermint Green Oil (to balance oil flow and we love its antibacterial benefits). Keeping your skin clean and clear will also prevent future bumps and pimples which equals less picking - win, win! If you have some scarring, try our Encapsulated Retinol range (start with the lowest concentration and work your way up) to help with cell turnover and regeneration. How to stop skin picking - the don’ts Don’t reach for the pins & tweezers For the love of the skincare gods, put down the sharp objects. Your skin is delicate and if you don’t know what you’re doing you’re likely to do more damage. They are rarely sterilised, meaning you’ll only push bacteria and sebum further into your skin and cause permanent scarring. To sum it up; leave the extractions to the professionals. Don’t ignore your triggers Next time you go to pick your skin, think about what made you want to. Were you stressed, bored, frustrated? Think of it like meditation; really become aware of your senses and triggers. That’s when you can avoid those triggers or replace the bad habits with more positive ones. Skin picking can, in the best-case cause pain and irritation, and in the worst case, permanent scarring. That’s why avoiding it at all costs is key for clear and glowing skin. If you have any other questions on skin picking, chat to one of our Skin Experts.
Leading The Way to Carbon Neutral Beauty: Our Story
You might have seen the terms ‘carbon neutral’ and ‘carbon negative’ floating around the beauty community. These buzzwords are evident of more brands committing to sustainable practices for the environment, but how do they relate to esmi Skin Minerals? esmi has always been passionate about producing vegan and cruelty-free skincare that is made in Australia. Our next goal is to continue this journey by lessening and eventually neutralising our carbon footprint. We’re excited to announce that from November 2022 we’re continuing our transition to becoming carbon neutral! What does carbon neutral mean? Carbon neutral means that our business, product and operations actions emit the same amount of CO2 into the atmosphere as what we offset. Becoming carbon neutral can look like altering our packaging to contain fewer microplastics to promote new green initiatives within the brand office and warehouse. Whilst certain changes may be small, they will make a big difference in the long term — showing our commitment to carbon neutrality and the environment. Now, let's dive deep into the new initiatives that will help esmi become a carbon neutral beauty brand. Reducing our carbon footprint through product packaging The esmi brand has been using unique Sugarcane bioplastic since 2019 in most of our tube products. What is sugarcane you may ask? The sugarcane crop is carbon negative (meaning it actually removes carbon from our atmosphere!), allowing the process of producing this type of packaging to be carbon neutral. We use Sugarcane bioplastic as it is a sustainable, environmentally friendly material that uses renewable resources — this is a fossil-fuel-free plastic that is 100% recyclable (can we get a hell yes!). Microplastics are also a cause for concern as they can be detrimental to the environment. Therefore, we also include biodegradable technology in our tubes, allowing the plastic and commercial packaging resins to biodegrade without leaving behind any microplastics. This is a game changer when it comes to skincare packaging and we are proud of it! But what’s esmi doing now? From November 2022 we began moving our plastic packaging to have the following features: Product packaging is made of 25% to 35% recycled materials* Most of our caps and bottles* being 100% recyclable Most of our caps and bottles* are 100% biodegradable (if the packaging ends up in landfill). Removing a number of products from their boxes Infinite recyclability for our glass bottles (yes, we’re talking Skin Treats and Moisturiser jars!) *Excludes Toner bottle, Skin Shield bottle, Skin Snack bottle & moisturiser lids. Becoming carbon neutral through shipping initiatives Changing shipping practices will also help esmi lead the way to a carbon neutral future. We hope that every purchase made from esmi will do something good for the environment including once it has left our warehouse. To do this we’ve partnered with Shopify Planet — an app aiming to focus on carbon removal from Shopify stores (like us!) instead of offsetting carbon. With this software we can calculate the emissions produced by every parcel that’s shipped from our warehouse, ensuring we can neutralise our carbon footprint from shopping with the right data. The contributions made each month to help neutralise carbon emissions will go towards funding cutting-edge carbon removal projects through the Shopify Sustainability Fund which backs the development of technologies that remove carbon from the atmosphere. At this point, you might also be asking how our shipping packaging is changing. Well, esmi has always been environmentally friendly when sending parcels to ensure products arrive safe and intact. Our shipping packaging initiatives include: 100% recyclable shipping packaging that does not contain polypropylene film (which is harmful to the environment in many forms) The use of soy ink and water-based varnish that won’t interfere with the recycling process Paper packaging that is low on carbon Cornstarch used for filling in packages that is both biodegradable and compostable All paper materials coming from responsibly managed FSC-certified forests Parcels secured with paper packaging tape and natural rubber adhesive that is both recyclable and environmentally friendly And, what about our office? We can’t forget about the esmi headquarters where our office and warehouse team up to create an environmentally friendly workplace. We have our own recycling bins for cans and bottles and encourage green habits like sipping takeaway coffee from your own reusable cup and refusing single use plastic. The office has a long way to go but implementing small changes means we’re continually growing towards being as carbon-neutral as possible. When REDcycle is up and running again, we will re-incorporate that into the business. Joining a collection of carbon neutral beauty brands Our esmi team and community are undoubtedly excited to join a collection of carbon neutral beauty brands that put the environment first. And, this is in no way the end of our journey. As a brand, we are always researching and implementing new initiatives and technologies to help us reduce our carbon footprint. It’s our responsibility and one the esmi brand is extremely passionate about.
The Skin Benefits of Grapeseed Oil
There’s something about putting oil on your face that seems a bit … well, oily (eww, David!). We totally get that it feels counterintuitive to slather oil all over your skin, but listen up, because we’ve got some news for you! Using a face oil can have some skin-loving benefits and one of our favourites is grapeseed oil. What is Grapeseed Oil? Technically, grapeseed oil is exactly what it sounds like. Grapeseed oil is a byproduct of winemaking - once the grapes are squeezed, the leftover seeds are pressed to extract an oil with a silky texture and a light green-yellow colour. We love a zero-waste concept! Have your wine and put it on your face too! Unlike other oils that can clog pores and only suit particular skin types, grapeseed oil is lightweight and non-comedogenic, meaning it contains ingredients that aren’t going to clog your skin so it’s suitable for even the most sensitive and acne prone skin. What are the benefits of grapeseed oil for skin? They say that drinking wine can help you live longer and look younger, but what else can the humble grape do for you? Grapeseed oil is known for being packed with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It also contains omega chain fatty acids and vitamin E, which deeply nourish the skin and allow it to retain moisture and improve elasticity. If your skin is feeling dull and dehydrated, grapeseed oil can cover a multitude of sins, by moisturising, hydrating, reducing the appearance of fine lines and evening out your skin tone. Who is grapeseed oil best for? Acne-prone skin Acne prone skin is usually deficient in a little something called linoleic acid, which means the sebum produced is thick and will clog the pores more easily. The high levels of linoleic acid in grapeseed oil are a fabulous source of omega-6 fatty acids which assist in controlling acne by minimising sebum and clogged pores. The natural wonder that is grapeseed oil also has proven antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It works to fight breakout-causing bacteria deep within your pores to clear your skin. Plus, the vitamin E found in grapeseed oil helps to reduce the appearance of acne scars. Dry skin As we’ve mentioned, grapeseed oil contains fatty acids, which can also increase the skin’s moisture level, keeping you hydrated and plump all day long! As an added bonus, the vitamin E in grapeseed oil forms a protective barrier around the skin to stop transepidermal water loss. It locks in moisture and replenishes any natural oils lost throughout the day. Ageing skin Look, getting older happens to the best of us, and we’re all looking to minimise those fine lines and wrinkles as best we can, naturally and easily. Grapeseed oil contains powerful antioxidants and phytosterols (a fancy word for a molecule found in plants), which you’ll be pleased to learn can assist in reducing the signs of ageing. These antioxidants fight free radicals to assist in boosting and preserving your skin’s collagen and elastin. Inflammation & redness The phytosterols in grape seeds can reduce inflammation, including any irritation resulting from rosacea and eczema. Grapeseed oil is a fantastic natural remedy for inflammatory skin conditions. When phytosterols are applied topically, they help to gently nourish, strengthen the integrity of the skin’s cell membrane and fight off that flare-up inducing irritation and redness. Impressed with grapeseed oil yet? We thought so! As it is such a lightweight and ‘all rounder’ oil, you can use it either morning or night, but similar to most oils, you’ll see the greatest benefits when it’s applied as one of the last steps in your skincare routine, either under your moisturiser or as the final step. As we always say, layer your serums and oils from thinnest to thickest. If you need help choosing a product with grapeseed oil, we’ve got you covered. First up is our best seller, the Probiotic Skin Mylck. Brimming with probiotics and our hero ingredient grapeseed oil, she’s full of goodness to help strengthen your skin’s barrier while moisturising and balancing. The linoleic acid in grapeseed oil can also help strengthen the skin's barrier function, in conjunction with probiotics. Like her predecessor, our classic Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Hydration is packed with similar ingredients, but with an extra boost of intense moisture to target dehydration while keeping your skin’s barrier strong and hydrated. If you’re keen on a spa-like experience every night of the week, this is one to include in your routine. While we’re on the topic of hydration, our next product is perfect for on the go. Our Refreshing and Hydrating Skin Snack Face Mist was basically made for your handbag, so you can give your skin a little refreshing snack to help replenish and rehydrate your skin and makeup when exposed to air conditioning, UV light, wind and weather. The grapeseed oil benefits for skin are just about endless. It is a powerful, natural ingredient with heaps of benefits for your skin, including improving your tone, texture and elasticity. It’s super gentle and safe for most skin types. Bring on all of the glowy benefits! If you’re keen to learn more about this mighty little seed, chat to one of our skin experts today.
Rose Oil Australian Bushfire Donations
Watching our beautiful country, its people and its animals in pain during the devastating Australian bushfires earlier this year is something none of us will forget. Like so many others who came together to help, we wanted to show our support and love to the people and wildlife experiencing their darkest hours. We came up with the idea to create a product exclusively for the Australian Bushfire appeal and donate 100% of the sales. And so, esmi Rose Oil was born! Making it happen was a huge team effort. Our amazing team of suppliers from around the world came together and donated their time, talents, and materials to develop this very special product for a very special cause. With the help of our awesome esmi Skin Minerals community, we’re proud to say we raised a massive $81,0016.65! Everyone who got behind this cause, thank you SO much. We wanted to give an update on how the funds were distributed - we split donations evenly between the following 3 organisations. Here's Who We Donated To: Country Women’s Association Of NSW Donated: $27,005.55 to CWA of NSW's Disaster Relief Fund. The CWA is the largest women's organisation in Australia and aims to improve conditions for country women and children. CWA is involved in lobbying for change, helping the local community, creating a network of support and meeting together in towns and cities. CWA of NSW's Disaster Relief Fund is used to assist people in need. Wildlife Victoria Donated: $27,005.55 to Wildlife Victoria Bushfire appeal Wildlife Victoria has provided the community with a Wildlife Emergency Response service for 30 years. Their mission is to help and protect wildlife through rescue, education, and advocacy activities. Wildlife Victoria responds to community reports of distressed wildlife and facilitates the care needed. They also promote community knowledge and care of wildlife and advocate for the protection and welfare of wildlife. Wires Donated: $27,005.55 WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc.) has been rescuing and caring for wildlife for over 30 years and is the largest wildlife rescue organisation in Australia. Donations WIRES help rescue and care for more native animals, provide more wildlife information and education to the community, to protect and preserve native animals and to train and support more volunteer rescuers and carers. Let’s not forget that there are still so many people and animals with a long road of healing ahead. From the esmi team, thank you for purchasing Rose Oil to show your support!
