The big cosmetics thread

[bigsarahj]

Morning all,

I am planning to have a MASSIVE overhaul of my enormous collection of cosmetics, toiletries, lotions and potions in order to streamline my bathroom.

I am a horribly compulsive shopper of bottles and jars. A big branch of Boots is like an arcade to me, and the Selfridges cosmetics hall is my Tiffanys.

But it has got to stop. And so, I am looking to narrow it all down to a 'capsule' collection of great products. Also, there are some that I am looking to replace:

Clinique- I have been using their skincare for years and am beginning to feel that there must be life beyond Clarifying Lotion. Any suggestions?

Volumising hair products- I have counted up, and have no fewer than 17 different bottles. Some are fine, some are good, some are rubbish. Any good recommendations to stop this madness?

Dry skin/stretch marks- Similar story: 7 lotions, 3 creams and a fortune spent on Bio Oil, all to no avail. Any tips to share? Especially for the stretch marks- there MUST be a way! (Captain Kirk style exclamation...)

I am also on the hunt for the perfect mascara (volume), red lipstick, and moisturising foundation. What do you rate?

Thanks all!

Oooh, Belligerent, I'm not sure anything could tempt me away from my Benetint. Thanks for the eyeliner tip- new spending opp!

There is a big book called " Dont go to the cosmetics counter without me" .... well worth the read it goes through just about every product and rates them telling you if their claims are real or not.

The new tube mascara is really good. Kiss Me and L'Oreal both have a version.

Christian Dior Indian Red has been my lipstick of choice for many years. It's not so easy to find anymore but worth the search.