If you have really sensitive (and thus dry) skin - what skincare and make up ranges do you use?

[moodlumthehoodlum]

I am at my wits end. I have such dry and sensitive skin at the moment, and I just can't seem to get a moisturiser or foundation that doesn't either bring me out in hives or look dreadful.

Any ideas? I'm open to any suggestions.

[CoffeeCrazedMama]

I can really recommend Liz Earle (discovered it on MN). Very gentle and natural, and the cleanser has done wonders for me. They don't have the harsh chemicals that are in so many other products, and which can be irritating to drier skin.

I've even converted dh to their men's range (very manly packaging .)

[moodlumthehoodlum]

Thanks. I saw them in John Lewis the other day but was in a rush, so didn't stop, but I will google them now. How does it compare price wise? I use clinique at the mo

[SmugColditz]

I actually rarely use anything - a bit of baby soap in my tzone when I feel greasy, but normally a flannel and warm water on my face, and a touch of soap on pits and bits. I have to be careful to completely rinse shampoo, I use wash n go.

[moodlumthehoodlum]

not even a moisturiser colditz?

[Pawslikepaddington]

L'Occitane. Liz Earle did nothing for me, despite buying pretty much every thing they had just to check it wasn't me getting it wrong! L'Occitance all the was-their 24hr ultra moisturising fluid is amazing!

[SmugColditz]

Nope.

Except on my upper arms, I rub them with vegetable oil

[ConnorTraceptive]

I use Boots Expert Range

Must admit though colditz post has reminded me that my skin looked it's best following the birth of ds2 when it didn't see soap, moisturiser or make up for about 2 weeks!

[moodlumthehoodlum]

I might have to go to the L'Occitane shop at Bicester and see waht I can find.

Colditz, you are a lucky rabbit to have good skin with only a little effort. I would look like a flaky ageing old minger if I didn't

[Pawslikepaddington]

It's really really really good! And you can do a tester facial with it in store and then wait 24 hrs to see what happens (they were doing this as a promo when I discovered it, but if you explain you need to allergy test they will be more than happy as they have testers out). I use the cleanser, "delicate water" (i.e. toner!) and moisturiser-they all have shea butter in so don't dry your face while cleansing, and you only have to use the moisturiser in the morning, so feel like you have one less job to do at night ! Very expensive tho!

[moodlumthehoodlum]

Thanks I'm going shopping this weekend and see if I can try both liz earle and L'occitane.

[SmugColditz]

never said I had good skin.....

LOL ok I don't really get spots or flakes. I never have and I don't like to mess with something that works!

[twoboots]

i have the same problem at various times of the year.

when my skin is rubbish, i get my gp to prescribe dermol lotion, its a very bland moisturiser can be used face to toe, also as soap substitute.

was given a pile of burts bees stuff whe dd was born. the baby lotion and oil are lovely.

if i'm feeling flush then the yonka range is my favourite, its only available in salons.

[Ronaldinhio]

Eve Lom as cleanser etc and then Chanticaille for foundation. Expensive but really long lasting

[MadameCastafiore]

Liz Earle - I chabged recently after reading about it on MN and have to say it is bloody excellent - I used to get cut price Estee Lauder but Liz Earle is even better than that!

I would say it is probably a little cheaper than Clinique.

[conniedescending]

I have this problem - nearly everything dries my skin out

I now use (and stick to religiously)
Simple mosturiser, night cream and cleanser

No7 age defying foundation (its creamy and doesnt dry skin out)

[girlsnextdoor]

Clinique superdefence moisturiser, Clinique Moisture on line, REN frankinsence night cream and Omega 3 repair oil, both great.

[Sycamoretree]

You should investigate mineral make up - there are a few different ranges. Would be ideal for you.

[EffiePerine]

Boots no 7 works for me

re: body moisturiser, I can't tolerate cocoa butter but plain almond oil is great

[WowOoo]

Neals's Yard oils - almond for normal, wheatgerm for very dry bits and rose facial for a treat.
Clinique foundation - can't remember which one though.
Eve Lom for cleansing though I use it sparingly and not every day. Origins facewash usually.

Do you have time to go around and have test make overs at different counters. Did this recently and ended up buying Clinique again.

[pagwatch]

Eve Lom saved my life. 100 times better since i started using that.

And I use chantecaille foundation too.

[BananaSkin]

E45 facial wash & Boots No 7 make up.

[CountessDracula]

Vaseline Dermacare (it is a bit hard to find atm) works for me
And E45 lotion for the bod

[moodlumthehoodlum]

Ladies, you have been so helpful. My face was practically covered in hives this morning, (I know, I sound geeorgeous) so your advice is extra welcome thank you.

[WouldYouCouldYouWithAGoat]

i use dr hauschka rosen creme. DO NOT use clinque.

and bobbi brown foundation.

my skin has gone from horrid rosacea red and dry to almost normal

[wotulookinat]

I use Diprobase (over the counter from pharmacist, but your doc can prescribe) and Body SHop Vit A moisture cream. The VitA cream is the only thing that I can put on my face that doesn't cause a reaction.

I've heard good things about Bobbi Brown make-up but I have never tried it myself.