WTF is the UV Index?
Alright, sun lovers and shade seekers, let’s unravel the mystery of the UV index in a slightly less serious, but still totally quirky way. Buckle up, because we're about to take a journey into the world of sun safety and UV! So... What exactly is the UV Index? The UV index, or ultraviolet index, is a measure of the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun at a particular place and time. It's typically expressed on a scale from 0 to 11 or higher, with higher numbers indicating greater potential for harm from unprotected sun exposure. It is calculated by a number of different factors, such as the sun angle, ozone layer, cloud cover, altitude, latitude and the time of day. Decoding the UV Index It's like having a friendly neighbourhood UV superhero looking out for your skin. Knowing the UV index helps you gauge how frequently you need to be applying SPF and whether the day calls for a bit more shade than normal. Decoding the UV Index Levels: Low (0-2): The sun’s still sipping its morning coffee. Fair-skinned friends, proceed with caution. Moderate (3-5): The sun’s stretching its rays and saying hello. Time to whip out that SPF and don your favourite sunhat. High (6-7): The sun’s cranking up the heat! Break out the sunscreen and shade-seeking tactics. Very High (8-10): The sun’s showing off its A-game. Seek shade, rock those shades and slather on sunscreen like it’s your job. Extreme (11+): Danger, danger! UV levels are off the charts. It's a stay-indoors-if-you-can kind of day, but if you can’t, go full SPF warrior mode. So, the next time you spy that UV index, remember: it's not just a number; it’s your guide to sun safety, helping you navigate the sunny side of life with sufficient SPF.
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 Booster 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.
Hydrate Your Skin for a Cause
This year esmi has joined the conversation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Taking a step back to reflect and learn more about breast cancer for yourself or someone you love is possible when we can raise our voices and help spread the word. The esmi team are committed to supporting breast cancer awareness and actioning change using what we know best - skincare! If you are an avid user of our Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum you know how it can help and heal dehydrated skin. That’s why we wanted to hydrate for a cause and create a Limited Edition Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum (using the breast cancer signature pink colour of course) to raise awareness and donations for the National Breast Cancer Foundation — the leading national organisation in raising money specifically for breast cancer research. What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? If you haven’t heard, Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides an opportunity for Australians to learn more about breast cancer disease and acknowledge how it can affect those with breast cancer and their support network. Breast cancer is the most common cancer for Australian women besides skin cancer (your little reminder to wear daily SPF). Chances are you or someone you know has had experience dealing with breast cancer as a patient or as a support person. Even though breast cancer is common, survival rates are improving year on year with 89% of those diagnosed surviving for 5 years or more as a prognosis. This is largely due to awareness campaigns like Breast Cancer Awareness Month which teaches Australian women the importance of regular screenings and visiting the doctor when something doesn’t feel quite right. This month also highlights the importance of education and research in this space which can lead to more efficient treatments and support for those diagnosed with breast cancer. But, what can I do to help? You can donate directly to the National Breast Cancer Foundation or share social media resources and messaging. Or, you can see why esmi’s support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a little more fun. Why Donate Through esmi? Our team has created a Limited Edition version of our best-selling Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum! And, the best part? It’s pink of course! Each purchase of our Limited Edition serum includes a $5 donation by esmi and a $5 donation by you to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Plus you receive hydration goodness to combat all types of skin concerns — dry, oily, sensitive and pigmentation. Together you and your favourite skincare brand (esmi!) can aid in raising awareness for breast cancer this month. Help Us Reach Our $30,000 Goal! If you’re a lover of our Hyaluronic Hydrating serum and need a top-up or someone who wants to try it for the first time, there’s no better way than to donate! Help us reach our $30,000 goal to donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Hydrate for a cause and treat yourself to this beautiful Limited Edition Hyaluronic Hydrating serum here. Want to add more Skin Treats to your day? Shop our whole range of Skin Treats to mix and match with our Limited Edition serum to create a balanced routine that targets your skin concerns.
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
Top 5 Benefits of Using a Face Mask
What does a face mask do and how do they actually benefit your skin? We share the 5 reasons using a face mask will have your skin set to glow and send your self-care vibes sky-high. Target skin concerns with active ingredients Are face masks good for your skin? You bet they are! Rich in active ingredients face masks are formulated to target specific skin concerns like pigmentation, dullness, ageing concerns, dehydration, redness, congestion, and dryness. Put simply, an ‘active’ is an ingredient that changes the skin in a particular way - it’s the ingredient responsible for doing the work that the skincare product says it will do for you. Use our quick guide to discover the best ingredients to match your skin concerns to help choose the perfect mask. Signs of ageing Active ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, and Tasmannia Lanceolata extract. Dullness and hyperpigmentation Active ingredients: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Kakadu Plum (contains high levels of Vitamin C), licorice root extract, and pomegranate extract. Acne, oil, and congestion Active ingredients: Activated charcoal, kaolin and bentonite clays and hyaluronic acid. Redness and irritation Active ingredients: Wild mint, hyaluronic acid, maclura cochinchinensis leaf, and broccoli sprout extract. Dryness and dehydration Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (Vitamin B3), aloe vera, green tea extract, and shea butter. The face mask benefits of active ingredients double down because you’re leaving the mask on for an extended period of time - anywhere from 10 minutes to overnight. This really helps your skin soak up all those beneficial actives. Works with other skin care for maximum impact Face masks are team players when it comes to boosting the results of your skincare routine. They help your other products go the extra mile to deliver even better (and faster) results. The key is to choose complementary products that work together in a harmonious little team with your face mask. With this in mind, we recommend pairing your mask with a cleanser and serum with ingredients designed to target the same skin concerns. For example, if you want to brighten a dull complexion and help reduce pigmentation, try this brightening trio from our range: Cleanser: The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Brightening Serum: Pomegranate Brightening Serum Booster Mask: Bouncy Brightening Booster Mask All are formulated with ingredients to brighten, lighten and smooth skin. Layering the active ingredients in all 3 products will deliver optimal results. You’ll find complementary serums, cleansers, and Booster Masks in our range that you can team up to address a range of concerns from ageing and redness to dryness and acne. The cleanser and serum are for daily use while your face mask should be 2 - 3 times a week, depending on your skin type. Have a chat with our esmi Skin Team if you’re not sure how often you should apply a Booster Mask. Have the salon experience at home Face mask benefits aren’t just about glowing up your skin. They’re the perfect opportunity for a little self-care recharge...DIY salon style. Sure, you can totally pop on a mask and multi-task doing other things…. but why not slow down, take your time and soak up the salon experience at home? Turning your masking time into a self-care sunday ritual is a great way to stay consistent with how often you apply the mask (consistency is everything!) and give you some ‘me time’ to look forward to each week. esmi Booster Masks are formulated with natural ingredients and fragrances to treat your skin and your senses for a holistic experience. Draw out impurities from the skin For oily, congested, and breakout prone skin clay and charcoal face masks are absolute game changers. The genius of clay and charcoal is their ability to draw out impurities from deep within the pore, including dead skin cells, to reduce congestion. With less congestion and clogged pores, breakouts are minimised. Skin is clearer, brighter, and more even. Bentonite and Kaolin clays also offer superb oil control. They soak up excess sebum on the surface to minimise shiny face syndrome. Kaolin clay is a good choice for all skin types, particularly sensitive and dry skin as it’s very gentle and won’t aggravate a compromised complexion. Bentonite has stronger absorption properties making it ideal for normal and oily skin types that can handle deeper cleansing action. Moisturise for a deep glow One of the most luxe treats you can give your skin, especially a dry, parched complexion, is a deeply moisturising face mask. A cream-based mask formulated with active ingredients to conquer dehydration and dryness offers the optimal moisturising benefits. Because the mask sits on your skin for an extended period, those helpful active ingredients penetrate deeply and get to work on not only the surface but deeper layers. The result is more hydrated, moisturised skin which translates to a beautiful healthy glow! Look out for these key ingredients in a moisturising face mask: Hyaluronic acid: An active ingredient which delivers a boost of moisture deep into the skin cells. Niaminicide (Vitamin B3): Strengthens the skin barrier to help keep moisture locked in. Allantoin: Helps moisturise the skin to improve signs of dryness and irritation. Shea Butter: Works to soften and smooth dry skin. For all the face mask love your skin will ever need, check out the entire esmi Booster Mask range.
