Health Inspiration

Our Guide to Glowing Skin

Want to know how to get glowing skin? It’s all about taking a holistic approach to skin care. What you eat, drink, the skincare products you use and lifestyle factors all contribute to a glowing skin routine. Everyday routine for glowing Skin Your daily routine for glowing skin starts with what you put in your mouth! Loading your plate with skin friendly foods and drinking hydrating liquids is vital for glowing skin. Regular exercise plays a big role in skin health too. It improves blood circulation and gets more oxygen to the skin which helps give it a healthy glow. Then, of course, there’s skincare! Below we’ve detailed a daily 4 step skincare routine to get glowing skin. Plus, how you can treat yourself to a weekly indulgence and turn up the glow. Step 1: Cleanse Cleansing is the basis for every glowing skin routine. It refreshes your skin removing excess oil, makeup, dead skin cells, SPF, pollution particles, and other debris. Without cleansing your skin, this debris builds up on the surface of your skin and can lead to blocked pores resulting in congestion and acne. You may also find skin develops a rougher texture and becomes dull if you’re not cleansing properly. The effect of pollution is also problematic for skin. Toxic nanoparticles of smog and other air pollution can settle onto your face during the day. Without washing them away in the evening, these particles can trigger free radical activity that accelerates the signs of ageing. A clean canvas also allows other skincare products and their ingredients to better penetrate your skin. You maximise their benefits! How often should you cleanse? Cleansing should be part of both your morning and evening routine. We recommend a double cleanse in the evening to remove all traces of build up for deeply cleansed pores. Consider using a textured microfibre face cleansing mitt with your cleanser. Microfibre helps eliminate 80% more dirt, makeup and product residue than a regular face washer! What ingredients to look for in a cleanser No matter your skin type or concerns, a gentle cleanser is the way to go. Gentle formulations cleanse your skin and leave it balanced and supple not strip of the oils and moisture it needs. A few gentle yet effective ingredients for cleansing formulations include; 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: Brimming with antioxidant activity, Green tea is also an anti-inflammatory 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. We recommend The Uncomplicated Cleanser (All skin types) Infused with aloe vera to calm and heal and the protective, antioxidant properties of camellia leaf (green tea) extract the cleanser balances skin and won’t leave it dry or tight, just clean, calm, and supple. Perfect for all skin types and concerns, The Uncomplicated Cleanser works gently but deeply to lift away dirt and foundation without stripping away the oils and good bacteria essential for healthy, balanced skin. Step 2: Hydrate  Wondering how to get glowing skin? Hydration, hydration, hydration. H2O helps your skin by improving elasticity, regulating oil production, flushing toxins, and increasing skin radiance. Dehydration occurs when the skin barrier, the protective uppermost layer of the skin known as the stratum corneum, lacks moisture. Signs your skin is dehydrated can include tightness, dryness, sensitivity, dullness, and congestion. Several factors can contribute to depleting the water content in your skin. Changes in the weather, using the wrong skincare, lifestyle choice (excessive alcohol consumption/smoking for example), diet, and other environmental factors. To combat dehydration for all skin types, the skin cell’s water content needs to be replenished. Serums vs Moisturisers There is a difference between ‘hydrating’ and ‘moisturising’ ingredients - both share the same goal (to improve the skin’s water content) but go about it differently. Hydrating ingredients (known as humectants) attract water to the deeper layers of skin and rehydrate cells from the inside out. Moisturising ingredients (emollients and occlusives) work to lock the hydration into the skin. This means a two step approach is needed in your glowing skin routine to achieve the best results. 1) Serum: Get water to thirsty skin cells to rehydrate and replenish. Serums are water-based formulations and have a smaller molecular structure than moisturisers. This allows them to provide an intense hit of hydration - carrying hydrating ingredients deep within the skin. 2) Moisturiser: Seal the water in to prevent it from escaping off the skin. Moisturisers don’t penetrate the skin as deeply, instead, they sit on top of the skin to trap moisture in. What ingredients to look for in a hydrating serum Hyaluronic acid: One of the best ingredients to look for in a hydrating serum is hyaluronic acid. It draws water to the cells and can hold up to 1000x its weight in water. Allantoin: An extract from the comfrey plant, allantoin’s properties can increase the water contents of cells. It has the added benefit of acting as an emollient to keep skin moisturised. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Effective at restoring the skin barrier to guard against moisture loss and dehydration. How often should you use a hydrating serum? You can use a hydrating serum in both your morning and evening routine. Apply it as the next step after cleansing and before your moisturiser. Gently pat the serum into the skin with your fingers. We recommend: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum (all skin types) The esmi Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum is like a big drink of water for your cells containing triple action Hyaluron which increases hydration by 25% within 2 hours. The hydrating serum contains niacinamide (Vitamin B3) for skin repair, restoration and to regulate oil flow which in turn aids in breakout prevention. It also contains allantoin to promote cell longevity. Hydration and your diet How to get glowing skin naturally? Keeping your skin hydrated isn’t only about using the right skincare products. Including water-rich foods in your diet and drinking hydrating fluids is crucial to get glowing skin. Foods with high water content include cucumber, tomatoes, watermelon, spinach, oranges, and mushrooms. Sip on plain water, coconut water, and water flavoured with real fruit pieces to keep hydration levels up. Read: Best foods to eat to improve your skin Step 3: Moisturise As we mentioned above, the moisturising step helps lock moisture into the skin. It also delivers antioxidant support and strengthens the skin barrier. When we talk about how to get glowing skin and the role moisturiser plays, don’t think creams are your only option! Oil based moisturisers are an excellent choice for many skin types and concerns. How an energising serum works Or, you could opt for an energising serum - a hybrid combination of a serum and an oil. The serum component of the formulation delivers active ingredients deep into the skin while the oil offers moisturising benefits. Best of both worlds! How often should you use an energising serum? You can use an energising serum in both your morning and evening routine. Apply it as the next step after your hydrating serum and before SPF. Gently pat the serum into the skin with your fingers. We recommend: Sunrise Skin Energising Acai Duo (all skin types) Help brighten, tone and moisturise tired skin with the intensity of a water-based serum and moisturising benefits of an oil. The serum component contains Kakadu Plum extract - nature’s highest level of vitamin C - to help brighten skin and aid in collagen production for a firmer, smoother tone while niacinamide aids in repair and breakout prevention. The oil component contains Acai oil which offers moisture increasing benefits and helps address ageing concerns.  Step 4: Sun protection Our guide on how to get glowing skin wouldn’t be complete without including daily SPF protection. When it comes to signs of premature ageing, the sun is your skin’s number 1 enemy and SPF is your skin-saving staple. Both UV and UVB rays damage the skin but go about it in different ways. UVB are shorter rays that affect the surface of the skin; causing the visible redness and pain that comes with sunburn. They can also result in skin cancer, including melanoma. UVA rays, on the other hand, are longer and reach deep into the layers of skin. Causing damage to collagen and elastin, UVA rays are responsible for accelerating the signs of ageing - wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging. They can also trigger hyperpigmentation. What to look for in a sunscreen The key is to choose a broad spectrum sunscreen which protects from both UVA and UVB rays. If a sunscreen isn’t broad spectrum, it only protects your skin from UVB rays. The SPF (sun protection factor) rating is also important. An SPF rating of 15+ or higher is recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation for daily use and 30+ if you’re spending the day outdoors. Choosing a sunscreen that works with makeup Your best bet when looking for sunscreen to wear under makeup? Go for a formulation that is lightweight and non-comedogenic - meaning it won’t clog pores. Some SPF creams can be heavy, greasy, and packed with mineral oil. This increases the risk of congestion and can cause makeup to ‘slide’ off your skin. Don’t rule out oil in your sunscreen entirely though, some oils are very beneficial. For example, we use carrot root oil in our Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 to help tone and tighten skin. We also suggest making mineral makeup your friend. It allows the skin to breathe and contains natural SPF too. You get the bonus of added sun protection as you layer your cosmetics and skincare. We recommend: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 (all skin types) Comfortable, non-greasy broad-spectrum SPF 30 coverage for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Skin Shield Natural Face Sunscreen is easy-to-apply and enriched with antioxidant protection of carrot root oil, hyaluronic acid, and green tea to help support hydrated, smoother skin. Weekly skin treatments to refresh & revitalise How to get glowing skin and indulge in a little self care at the same time? By refreshing and revitalising your skin with weekly treatments. Exfoliation and face mask treatments A face mask is ideal to help target specific skin concerns including congestion, dullness, dryness, hyperpigmentation, and ageing concerns. Whether you choose a face mask treatment to leave on overnight or a quick 10 minute treatment, your skin can benefit. All skin types can benefit from different types of exfoliation too. We recommend introducing weekly mask and exfoliation treatments into your routine one at a time. Targeted treatments usually contain a stronger dose of active ingredients which your skin may need time to adjust to. Basically, you don’t want to overwhelm the skin, especially using products with exfoliation properties. We recommend: Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask The mild exfoliation action of kaolin clay is kind to sensitive and breakout-prone skin, it helps to soothe and aid in balancing oil production while deeply cleansing to remove impurities. Bentonite clay helps lift away dead skin cells and assists with pore purification for a touchably soft, glowing complexion. We recommend: Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum An exfoliating charcoal serum with gentle chemical exfoliation properties to help detox and purify congested skin to promote a clearer, smoother complexion. Ideal for most skin types tackling blackheads, acne, and underlying skin congestion to help draw out impurities and unclog pores for smoother looking skin. Turn your treatments into self care Why not turn your weekly skincare treatments into a self-care practice? Instead of rushing through the motions, slow down and pay attention to each step. Enjoy the texture and fragrance of the products and the way they feel on your skin. Listening to relaxing music or burning an aromatic candle while you go through your skincare routine will also boost the indulgence factor!

Health Inspiration

Probiotics in Skincare: What You Need To Know

Probiotics for the skin? We're breaking down all the information you need to know about probiotics and how they benefit your skin. Probiotics as we know it: The potential beneficial effects of taking probiotics such as Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium orally has been extensively studied for intestinal health. Benefits include prevention of pathogenic (bad bacteria), strengthening the gut barrier, repair and modulation of your immunity. Since their potential for maintaining gut health has been so effective, various strains of probiotic(bacteria) have been tested on other areas of the body such as the mouth, reproductive system and of course, skin… About your skin and how it operates: Our skin forms the barrier between the outside world and your internal body. Without it, life would be impossible. Our epidermis prevents water loss and protects our insides from external pathogens (bad bacteria) and potential infections. An extreme case of the barrier being compromised would be severe burns or wounding. Less extreme breaches of the skin barrier can easily occur in everyday life. Scratches, acne where the skin is compromised/open and a high level of pathogens (bad bacteria) are present, wounds, slow healing ability (diabetes and other immune disorders), eczema and dermatitis where the oil glands have not fully matured. This skin is often compromised and broken leaving the cells exposed. If it’s been proven that in gut (health) probiotics can help with effective healing, barrier repair and immunity modulation, could we find a probiotic to live and benefit the skin conditions specifically? After extensive testing on keratinocyte monolayer scratches (one cell thick scratches) it was found that only a couple of lysate materials were effective in the healing and repair of the scratch. This good-bacteria can help kill pathogens (bad bacteria) or places good bacteria in an environment that is compromised (such as eczema and dermatitis) and open to bad bacteria to infect the skin.  What is a lysate? A lysate is a concentrated dose of probiotic function A more stable way to include probiotic function in formulations Lysates probiotic bacteria possess a wide range of properties: it can be immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antioxidant and stabilizing Can stimulate proliferation (rapid skin cell healing) accelerating wound healing To put it simply: Your skin is like an ecosystem. Different parts of your body have good and bad bacteria living there. The same way the rainforest, great barrier reef etc need specific conditions to thrive your skin is the same. It needs good bacteria to thrive and too much bad bacteria can lead to skin issues. esmi is your first skincare brand to use a 100% Australian made probiotic. The esmi Probiotic Skin Mylck features your specially selected and researched Australian Made probiotic Lysate ideal for skin application, helping create an ideal environment for your skin to thrive if compromised by outside elements and bad-bacteria. It can be great for extremely sensitive, compromised skin. We suggest you also use our Probiotic Skin Mylck with our Uncomplicated Cleanser original for best results. Have questions about choosing the best probiotic skincare for you? Have a chat with our team of skincare experts. Book your free skin consultation today!   Ref: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4633615/ *esmi Skin Minerals are the first skincare company using a 100% Australian made Lacticaseibacillus.rhamnosus Lysate produced in Australia’s first and only cGMP/TGA certified facility for probiotic API manufacturing.  

Health Inspiration

The Importance of Self-Care

#selfcaresunday. It’s all over our Instagram feeds and for good reason. Making self-care a priority allows us not just to function, but to flourish! Let’s look at why everyone needs a little more ‘me’ time in their lives and 13 ideas for easy self-care practices. Why self-care is so important Self-care is any activity you do to nurture your mental, emotional, and physical health. Something that refuels or relaxes you. The idea of self-care is simple but it can have a profound effect on improving your thoughts, moods, and your relationship with yourself and others. It’s also very easy to overlook. When life gets crazy self-care can slide to the bottom of your priority list but it’s those busy times when it’s most important to take time out for you. A self-care plan can dial down stress levels, boost your immune system, and help you feel better inside and out. Prioritising self-care isn’t selfish. When we take care of our own emotional and physical wellbeing, we’re in a better place to take care of others too. As the saying goes; you can’t pour from an empty cup. When you think of #selfcaresunday, images of soaking in the tub with a glass of red and a magazine might spring to mind. However, self-care isn’t just things like bubble baths and manicures. You can practice internal self-care too, like not beating yourself up for a mistake, or forgiving yourself if you fail. It can also mean reaching out when you need help or to talk to someone instead of trying to handle something on your own. Or it could be simply cutting yourself some slack on days where you didn’t get through as much as you planned. Self-care and your skin Stress can show up on your face in all kinds of ways, from dry, flaky skin to under-eye circles. It can also trigger breakouts or cause existing skin issues like eczema and psoriasis to flare up. Making time for self-care lowers stress levels meaning your skin will reap the benefits! Why not turn your daily skincare routine into a self-care practice? Instead of rushing through the motions, slow down and pay attention to each step. Enjoy the texture and fragrance of the products and the way they feel on your skin. Listening to relaxing music or burning an aromatic candle while you go through your skincare routine will also boost the indulgence factor. Simple ideas to relax & recharge Feeling like your best self shouldn’t be a luxury you save only for special occasions. The best way to nurture your emotional and physical health consistently is to introduce small self-care activities into your daily and weekly schedule. We’ve put together simple examples of self-care strategies to inspire your inner and outer nurturing! Dial-in dinner Give yourself a night off - order dinner in. Enjoy the time you’d usually spend cooking and cleaning by taking a bath or reading instead. Sunday night facial Nothing says self-care like a luxe DIY facial so spend Sunday night pampering your skin. Make it easy with esmi ‘Build Your Own’ At Home Facial Kit. Gratitude journal A gratitude journal is an easy way to focus on the positive things going on in your life. Write down 5 things you’re feeling happy about and grateful for right now. Disconnect from social media Take a break from the social noise and don’t check your accounts for a day. Get your mask on No time for a full DIY facial? Focus on a face mask instead. Choose one suited to your skin type and take 10 minutes out to sip a coffee or a glass of wine while it gets to work! Buy yourself some flowers A gorgeous vase of flowers is an instant mood lifter - a bright, fragrant way to give yourself a boost. Declutter stuff What does decluttering have to do with self-care? A cluttered home can induce stress and anxiety. Spending 15 minutes decluttering can bring a sense of tranquillity to the space. Experiment with different makeup looks Break out of a makeup rut with a little ‘me’ time spent trying different looks. YouTube tutorials are your best friend! Embrace a tea ritual A tea ritual is a great way to press pause, be present and step out of the daily chaos. Pay attention to the smell, the taste, and temperature. Tea is brimming with antioxidants too - a major health bonus. Mini meditation You don’t need to spend hours sitting cross legged on the floor to reap the benefits of meditation - just a few minutes a day is enough. Try the Headspace app. Eat a mindful meal When was the last time you sat down to eat a meal without multi-tasking, looking at a screen or any other distractions? Mindful eating helps you appreciate food and flavours, prevents overeating and is a window of quiet time for yourself. Cloud watching Lie back and let yourself become hypnotised by those big, billowy clouds for 5 or 10 minutes. Schedule a sleep in When we get busy, sleep is often the first thing we give up which can have a detrimental effect on our mental and physical health - including your skin. Show yourself some love by planning a scheduled sleep in. No alarm in sight! Make your own self-care plan There is no one-size-fits-all approach, after all, self-care is about yourself! Experiment and find your own individual self-care list of activities that refresh you then schedule activities from your list into your day, week and month. It can be tempting to add to the millions of #selfcaresunday snaps on social media but put the phone down and forget about making self-care picture perfect. Just be present and soak up the moment. No filter required!

Health Inspiration

Best Foods to Eat to Improve Your Skin

What are the best foods for skin? You’re in the right place to find out! Read on to learn more about what to eat for healthy skin. How your diet affects your skin What you eat can have a dramatic influence on the health of your skin. Certain foods can help protect against premature ageing by inhibiting free radical activity, promoting a hydrated skin barrier, and encouraging cell regeneration. Other foods - especially refined sugar - do the opposite and accelerate skin damage and ageing. So, what to eat for healthy skin in general? Foods that are brimming with vitamins (antioxidant activity), minerals, and essential fatty acids. Vitamins The best foods for skin are packed with antioxidants. Heavy-hitting vitamins with potent antioxidant activity (vitamin A, C, and E) can help decrease the risk of sun and other environmental damage, including pollution, by neutralising free radical damage. They may also help improve skin texture and, depending on the vitamin, offer a host of other benefits. Essential fatty acids - omega 3 and omega 6 These two essential fatty acids are the building blocks of healthy skin cells and healthy cells translate to a happy complexion. Omega 3 and omega 6 also play a key role in maintaining the strength of the skin barrier which is essential for hydrated, smoother looking skin. Minerals Minerals like zinc, silica, and selenium play an important role in helping to keep the skin’s pH levels balanced, promoting the production of collagen, and helping protect the skin from oxidative damage.  Best foods for skin If you want to eat the best food for skin, you’ve got plenty of tasty options to fill your plate! Salmon One of THE best foods you can stick a fork in for your skin is salmon. A fatty fish, salmon is packed with omega 3 fatty acids that help strengthen the skin barrier, encourage moisture retention, and serve as building blocks for healthy skin cells. The antioxidants in salmon also help calm inflammation in the body. Avocado Love a bowl of fresh, homemade guacamole? So does your skin. It’s one of the creamiest fruits good for skin. Brimming with vitamin A, D, and E plus good fats and phytonutrients, avocados deliver a range of nutritional benefits to help fight free radical damage and support supple skin. The linoleic acid in avocados helps moisturise your skin from the inside while lauric acid has antimicrobial properties. Almonds Increase your nutrition for healthy skin by snacking on almonds. One of the best foods for skin in the nut category, almonds contain high levels of Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that may slow the signs of ageing by minimising free radical activity. Broccoli This humble cruciferous veggie is harbouring skin saving superpowers. Broccoli can aid in supporting healthy collagen and supple skin thanks to its vitamin C content. Then there’s vitamin E, which helps guard skin cells against oxidative stress that can accelerate premature signs of ageing. Pumpkin seeds Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on your yoghurt or into your trail mix for a healthy hit of zinc. Known as a “trace mineral” zinc is incredibly beneficial for skin thanks to its ability to halt the formation of damaging free radicals and protect cells. Its anti-inflammatory properties can aid in the healing of inflammatory acne. Greek yoghurt Replete in vitamins B2, B5 and B12, Greek yoghurt can assist with maintaining the moisture balance of skin and helps in cellular regeneration. Any old yoghurt won’t do, make sure it’s Greek style to reap the full benefits for your skin. Olive oil One of the best foods for skin, olive oil offers skin regenerative benefits thanks to its levels of squalane. Polyphenols can also strengthen and improve skin texture while vitamin E can improve skin elasticity and moisturisation. Olive oil can also help your skin better absorb the nutrients of other foods. Bonus! Fermented foods This healthy bacteria in fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso can support in minimising acne and early signs of ageing and promote a brighter, more even skin tone. Blueberries These skin beautifying berries are rich in antioxidants that can help protect skin against the damaging effects of free radical activity. Flaxseed A small but mighty food in the fight against premature lines and wrinkles, flaxseed contains Omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants to aid in the promotion of skin smoothness and hydration. Kale This leafy green is a skin health enhancer. Packed with vitamins C, K, and beta-carotene, kale can assist in maintaining collagen, skin healing, and increasing a healthy glow. Carrots Whether you grate them for coleslaw or blitz them in a juice, carrots are incredibly beneficial for skin. They contain vitamin C and beta-carotene which helps minimise skin inflammation and can speed up the healing process after skin trauma. Dark chocolate Do the best foods for skin get tastier than dark chocolate? We think not! Eating dark chocolate in moderation can provide your skin with vitamins and minerals - including copper, iron, and magnesium - that can assist in the production of collagen and help repair skin. Choose dark chocolate with at least 80% cacao content for maximum healthy skin food benefits. Sweet potato It's no secret vegetables are good for skin and sweet potato is one of the best root vegetables to support a healthy complexion. They possess high levels of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and magnesium. Collectively they target free radical activity and can encourage healthy collagen production. Chia seeds Omega-3 fatty acids are the foundation of healthy skin cells and a strong skin barrier. Chia seeds are packed with Omega 3 - they’re one of the richest plant-based sources of this essential fatty acid. Sprinkle them on your salad, breakfast oats, or into a smoothie. Spinach Dark leafy greens in general are some of the best foods for good skin and spinach is no exception. Packed with zinc and antioxidant zeaxanthin, spinach can help reduce inflammation, aid in breakout prevention, and promote a more even skin tone. Foods To Avoid Or Only Eat Occasionally Refined sugar Sugar increases inflammation in the body which fuels the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin leading to an increased number of fine lines and wrinkles. Existing skin conditions such as acne, rosacea and eczema can also be exacerbated by refined sugar. Fast food and food high in trans fats Research has linked acne flare ups with a diet rich in calories, fat, and refined carbohydrates. Many processed foods high in fat - like burgers, fries, and pizza - are high-GI that raise blood sugar levels quickly and cause insulin levels to jump. Like refined sugar, this triggers inflammation in the body which has the potential to worsen existing skin conditions. Foods That Commonly Trigger Skin Issues While not all skin concerns are caused by - or can be entirely solved by - your diet, some types of foods are more likely to trigger inflammatory skin conditions. These foods aren’t ‘bad’ as such, but many people react badly to them when it comes to their skin. Studies have found a link between milk products and acne but to discover the impact dairy has on you, temporarily cut it from your diet and monitor your skin for changes. If you have rosacea, it’s best to steer clear of foods that may trigger flare ups including tomatoes, citrus, cinnamon, and chocolate. Warming spices, hot sauces, and alcohol are also common culprits of rosacea redness flares. If you are dealing with skin issues a change in diet may help but it’s not the entire picture. Take a holistic approach to include the right skincare, alternative therapies, or medication as needed. Before making any radical changes to your diet, we recommend consulting with a health professional. We hope these suggestions will be helpful to steer you towards making the right choice in food for better skin.  

Health Inspiration

Real Results: Erica's Story

“I have never felt so confident in my own skin, I am beautiful.” We’re really excited to introduce Erica and share the amazing results she’s achieved treating acute adult acne with esmi Skin Minerals. Erica struggled with acne throughout her teenage years but dealing with adult acne, she says, was even more challenging. “Having adult acne was worse for me.” “I’m a working mum, I’m busy and rushing around. Always feeling so self-conscious about leaving the house with no makeup was consuming. I would just feel awful about myself.” After a bad reaction to prescription medication and loss at what to do next, overwhelmed Erica reached out to our skincare team to seek help for her acne. “I was honestly lost, I had tried so many brands and treatments, I just didn’t know what to do. After reaching out to the skincare team on Facebook they jumped on board to help me with a skincare routine.” “The response was so fast, lovely, and compassionate because it was obviously something I was really self-conscious about.” After helping Erica choose the right products to begin treating her skin, our consultants continued to guide her on slowly introducing new products over the next 12 months. This steady approach helped strengthen and improve Erica’s skin without overwhelming it. “Over the last 12 months, they’ve been there the whole way through.” “They’ve helped with slight changes along the way and have always been there to answer all my questions.” Erica’s before and after photos say it all. Her results are incredible! “My breakouts have significantly reduced - pretty much gone. If I do have breakouts I have the tools to fight them so I no longer get the awfully painful acne.” “The esmi team has helped me work on the acne scarring I have which has also improved so much.” Erica’s advice if you’re considering esmi Skin Minerals and a consultation with our skin consultants? “100% go for it.” “I have never felt so confident in my own skin. I am beautiful.” We’re SO happy to see your results Erica! Thank you for sharing your skin journey with esmi Skin Minerals. 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@makeupcartel.com.au

Health Inspiration

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.

Health Inspiration

Top Tips For A Fun Pamper Night In

Hosting a pamper night in with your besties is the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and get glowing with an A+ skin pampering session. A self-care date with your favourite people is the chance to slow down, catch up, and check in on how everyone is doing. All while wrapped in a fluffy robe and decadent face mask. Sound good? Read on for our best tips for hosting a fun pamper night in to treat your skin and raise your happy vibes! Tennis champ Ash Barty shares her skin routine and her family Aussie Tennis superstar Ash Barty is our much loved esmi Skin Minerals brand ambassador. We chatted to Ash to get the lowdown on her skin, favourite esmi products and why pamper sessions with her mum and sisters are everything.  Tell us Ash, what are your main skin concerns? My biggest challenge has always been dehydration and dryness, after spending many years training, travelling and playing tennis, it has been difficult to keep my skin hydrated. How important is your skincare regime to actively treat these concerns? My skincare regime has become a bit of a home comfort for me and is a routine I keep no matter where I am in the world. Esmi has made it easy for me to care for my skin morning and night, every day of the year. What changes did you see in your skin once you started using esmi products? My skin became a lot clearer, I did not have as many breakouts and after big days of practice, I was able to cleanse my skin and replenish it properly. My skin has never been so hydrated! We’d love to know - what are your favourite esmi products and why? My favourite esmi products would have to be the Uncomplicated Cleanser with Charcoal and also the Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask. These two products are the perfect mix for me - allowing me to cleanse my skin and then give it some extra love with the hydrating booster mask. We hear you love organising regular self-care pamper sessions with family and friends? My sisters and my Mum love any excuse to have a pamper session!! We try to catch up once a fortnight at least to relax, chat about the kids and enjoy each other’s company. This time at home has given me more opportunities than I would usually get to spend quality time with them which has been so nice. It’s awesome to have you as an esmi ambasador; what do you value about your partnership with esmi Skin Minerals? I’m extremely grateful to have the support of such a brilliant company. We are both home grown in Queensland and many of our values align. I love being around such positive people and working with clean, natural and safe products that are able to bring smiles to faces around not just Australia, but also the world. With Christmas just around the corner, will esmi skincare make the gift list for family and friends? Most definitely! I always try to support Australian businesses. Many of my friends have recently tried esmi for the first time and the Mini sets are absolutely perfect for someone travelling or trying new products. Definitely a go-to for Christmas stockings. Our tips for a fun pamper and self-care night in with your besties Invite 2 or 3 of your loved ones Keep your invite list in check - pamper nights work beautifully with smaller groups. Everyone can take their time at each self-care zone (more on those below!) and have the chance to chat properly with each other. BYO robes, slippers, and hair wrap Does anything say self-care me time like fluffy robes? Ask everyone to bring a robe, slippers, and hair wrap to create a relaxed spa vibe! Snack platters with healthy and decadent options Have platters on offer with a mix of different snacks. Think fruit, fresh veggie sticks and dips, and dark chocolate for healthy options and as well as a few more decadent treats like gourmet cheese, dips, and cupcakes. A fun, refreshing bar Want to serve alcoholic drinks? Bellinis are a perfect (and easy!) option but make sure you’ve got delicious non-alcoholic beverages on offer too. Gorgeous skin is all about hydration so mix up a few jugs of water infused with fruit - combinations of berries, citrus, melon, mint, and ginger and all tasty options. Adding a few calming herbal tea options is a nice touch too. Choose a ‘finale’ night for your Pamper Night In Is your girl crew fans of the Bachelor or another series? Schedule your self-care session for the final night of the season. Watching the last episode together wrapped in robes, face masks, and sipping Bellinis is too fun! Set up different Self-care zones Create different areas for pampering like a mani and pedi station, face masking, hair treatment, and chill zone. You want to keep them in the same general vicinity but separating areas means everyone isn’t crowding the bathroom sink at once. Prepare warm, beautifully scented hand towels Nothing says spa-decadence like fresh, warm, hand towels. Add a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of water and soak each hand towel. Squeeze the water out and roll the towels. After guests arrive, pop them in the microwave to warm up for 10 seconds and release the aroma of the essential oil. Hand them around while they’re still warm! We love lavender essential oil to calm and citrus blends to energise. Turn up the self-care mood Playing music, burning gorgeously scented candles, a few vases of fresh flowers, and fairy lights will help create a luxurious atmosphere. A few simple touches are all you need. Top Products for Self-Care Night In Our esmi picks have got you covered for the perfect self-care night in! Headband An essential accessory for your cosy self-care night! It will keep flyaway hairs and your fringe away from your face while you cleanse, mask and treat your skin. Essential x 10 if you’ve just straightened your hair! The Uncomplicated Cleanser with Cleansing Mitt Every at-home facial starts with a beautiful clean base. We recommend The Uncomplicated Cleanser to set the tone for the rest of your skin pampering session. Perfect for all skin types and concerns, the cleanser balances skin and won’t leave it dry or tight, just clean, calm, and supple. Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask Wake up dull skin with this mask’s powerful detoxifying charcoal / clay combination to refine and purify for soft, bright skin. Works wonders on tired, lacklustre skin and suits all skin types, even sensitive skin. Use an esmi Mask Applicator Brush for extra indulgence! Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Perfect for all skin types and ages, this serum hydrates from the inside out, restores, repairs and reveals healthy skin with a radiant and hydrated glow. 24K Gold Nourishing Oil This luxurious 24-karat gold leaf face oil nourishes for a visibly firmer, more youthful complexion - boosts skin elasticity, stimulates collagen production and improves blood circulation. Get everything you need for the ultimate Pamper Night In with one of our Skin Care Bundles.