I make beauty products for the big manufacturers AMA.

[Photographsandsand]

As a user of beauty products I was amazed when I started working here.

We don't generally do makeup, but hair, skin, body and bath care products. Including specialist skincare.

If you can think of a brand, whether that be high end or cheaper brands, we probably formulate, manufacture and sell it. With the exception of a small handful of independent brands.

AMA

[Photographsandsand]

Absolutely, Labobo retinol does make a difference but I would always advise doing your research, proceeding with caution and always use an SPF if you use retinol products.

I agree completely that, rather than assuming that one product fits all, we should look at the hair and skin of every individual as just that; individual. What works for you may or may not work for me and vice versa. Additionally, hair and skin changes as we age.

[Photographsandsand]

I'm reluctant to recommend products Motnight. However.... I have long, poker straight, fine hair. I have tried just about everything you can think of. Although I have never worked on these products myself, I have been using Michael Van Clarke products for over a year now and they are brilliant, they are free of silicones and they really do work on my hair. I think that you have to buy into the whole regime and it's certainly not cheap but the results speak for themselves and a little goes a long way. They also do a points scheme and I'm a sucker for a points scheme

[Photographsandsand]

Yohoheaveho you mention using avocado oil.

If I can give one tip it is this; natural oils are a hidden beauty secret. Coconut oil isn't so good on hair but it's great on skin. Avocado and olive oil are also good, jojoba oil is good for hair, as is castor oil diluted with almond oil or similar. Always use organic, high quality oils.

[Photographsandsand]

JaniceBattersby what do you normally use on your eczema? Have you seen a GP? A dermatologist?

I am a chemist, not a qualified dermatologist. Bearing that in mind, my suggestion would be that it is the detergents you are using that are causing your flare ups. I would suggest that you use your specialist detergent or, preferably skin cream, that treats your eczema to remove makeup. Take particular care around your eye area. I hope that helps, if you can give me more information I can be more helpful. You are welcome to PM me.

[hopingforonlychild]

What do you think of Caroline Hirons? Do you think she gives good advice? She recommends £££ products, though some are mid priced by your definition- below £40.

[Bunbunbunny]

I'm confused about retinols if you've never used them what is a good one to start with?

[grassisjeweled]

What do you think of exfoliation? Waste of time?

Is Vaseline the Holy grail? There have been recent threads about it being amazing for the skin, make up removal, eyebrow growing etc etc.

[Hawkins001]

Does some makeup get manufactured then just have different brands added to them ?

[Hawkins001]

Is a certain brand that shares a name with a burger, actually very good or is it more hype over quality ?

[TaraR2020]

Op, really interesting thread - thank you!

I wish you'd name the brands you talk about though! Please?

[HotButteredRumPaPumPum]

If you were going to make your own skincare, what equipment would you need at home? And would you bother putting preservatives in your water based products or would you make smaller batches so as not to need them?

Theres a lot of homemade shampoo recipes online using baking soda or castile soap as a base. Are they any good?

[HotButteredRumPaPumPum]

Also, I make my own moisturiser and night cream. I have combination skin - very dry/flaky on the cheeks, and oily on the t-zone. What is your star ingredient which you would put in everything (carrier oil, essentialoil or other additive)?

[HotButteredRumPaPumPum]

Love this thread, thanks OP

[JeffreyJefferson]

place marking to come back in the morning. great thread your job sounds so interesting

[redferrari]

Excellent thread op. What are your thoughts about mineral oil in moisturizers? When I look at Clinique DDML or Cerave in tub being so popular and has mineral oil as one of the ingredients, I wonder if it's actually good ingredient but I tend to avoid based on reviews and own experience. I also wonder if it's a cheap ingredient and we just pay for the brand itself.

[greyinganddecaying]

Is dermalogica as good as people think it is??

[Spaghettibetty345]

What other skin products do you recommend?

For hair oils, which penetrate the hair the most?

[OhLittleBoreOfWhabylon]

Toner is almost entirely water with a small part detergent, often essential oils and sometimes active ingredients in small amounts i.e. acids LynetteScavo. I make one at home that is a mixture of water, a bit of witch hazel, a few drops of essential oils et voila. The other is home distilled rose water again with a few drops of essential oil mixed in.

Years ago, before toners were common, we used to use witch hazel or glycerin and rosewater, bought from the chemist.

Also buttermilk (lactic acid?) at night.

Everything old is new again

[SnugglySnerd]

Thank you for answering my question about packaging. I was on quite a mission pre-covid to email companies (not just beauty companies) and I need to get back on it.
This thread is fascinating.

[ChocBeforeCock]

@hopingforonlychild

What do you think of Caroline Hirons? Do you think she gives good advice? She recommends £££ products, though some are mid priced by your definition- below £40.

Thank you for your previous answer to me OP! I’m also interested in the answer to this as I have just read Caroline Hirons. In particular, her advice that you don’t use the same products every night eg use retinol one night, hyaluronic acid the next etc

Also for facial oil do you recommend a moisturiser as well, and if so before or after?

[PaySeeWhiTa]

@SnugglySnerd

I think face theory has glass bottles with tin lids

[SnugglySnerd]

[quote PaySeeWhiTa]@SnugglySnerd

I think face theory has glass bottles with tin lids[/quote]
That's good to know, thank you.

[ExpensivelyDecorated]

Thanks for the replies on parabens - I don't have strong views either way myself, I can see that preservatives are needed if you want longer shelf-life, but I didn't know about the perfume thing.

[Lordamighty]

Brilliant idea for AMA, I tend to use cheaper face creams, L’Oreal & Astral as a make up remover but am a sucker for expensive shampoo.

[Circusoflove]

I REALLY want to know what the retinol product you recommend is.

I don’t use expensive skin care but find expensive shampoo and conditioner is worth the money to me. There might be cheaper ones that are as good but I haven’t identified them.