What have been your 'game changer' beauty products?

[frankietwospots]

I'm always keen to try out new beauty products but am fed up of spending good money on products that are a bit meh. What have been your real 'game changer' beauty products? Which products have really made a difference? For me, applying Estee Lauder Double Wear with the Real Techniques stippling brush was a lightbulb moment. I just wish I could replicate that experience with skincare products!

^The EH hand cream is really good. Only thing to get rid of my dry cuticles. I bought it in TK Maxx for half price then went back for a few more the next day.

I have a few to add when I get home and can check the proper names. Meantime I'm writing a list of wants. This thread should come with a warning.

yazzy85 Thanks a million :)

I've just bought the Bare Minerals foundation and brush.

I also went to buy the Aveda exfoliater but the woman at the till didn't see it and I've got home and realised she didn't put it through :-( I just tried to order it online. When I picked it up in store (John Lewis) there were 2 - one for oily skin and one for dry skin. However online (John Lewis and Aveda) I can only see one for "all skin types". Argh! Can anyone advise please?

I also bought my first Chanel lipstick yesterday - colour is "Boy". A nice warm nude. I love it! Stays on well, isn't overpowering in terms of smell and looks lovely.

Bit of a splurge but reading this thread I realised I've not bought new make up for years and I was definitely stuck in a rut!

Thanks. Great reading :-)

Elemis marine cream (day cream) -light but quenches my skin's thirst

Anyone recommend a good serum?

Chanel Boy is fabulous.

Another vote for dermatologists' favourite La Roche Posay.

Also use NeoStrata Bio Hydrating Face Cream recommended by my own dermatologist. I have very pale and extremely sensitive skin and early rosecea which I am determined will not get any worse! It's nicely under control and have only had one flare up which was when I was diagnosed.

Trying to take care of my eyebrows as makes such a difference as you get older. I use High Brow and Speed Brow from Benefit.

I also buy a brow thickening serum every once in a while (from Boots. It works but is expensive).

Almond oil on nails just before bed - has made them so much stronger.

Having used Kerastase for years and found nothing else to come close I switched to Pureology (Sulphate free) a year ago and it's just as good but with less harsh chemicals.

Biore pore strips (the ones with tea tree) have been an absolute revelation!

Aveda Brilliant Styling Creme for my coarse hair.

Hmmm. And there was I thinking I'm low maintenance!

frankietwospots the flannels do wash out all the makeup and everything. I bought mine from Primark after reading a post on Caroline's blog mentioning they can be bought from there very cheap.

Sunbeam18 I really like the Soap and Glory Make Yourself Youthful serum

m.boots.com/h5/cat_hub?unCountry=uk&path=/en/Soap-Glory-Make-Yourself-Youthful%E2%84%A2-Rejuvenating-Facial-Serum_1364156/

Thanks yazzy85 - will stock pile. In fact, for the first time in maybe 15 years, I didn't use a face wipe to take my make up off tonight and used a Neal's Yard cleansing milk which has just been sat in a cupboard. I used a muslin cloth and the make-up debris just rinsed right out. I then used the Superdrug hot cloth cleanser, followed by the Clarins brightening toner, Superdrug Naturally Radiant serum and then Clarins Lotus oil. This is the way forward!

frankietwospots I know what you mean, I had tried everything too and was suprised how much a difference it makes from the first day, your skin feels calmer overall. Good Luck

For the ladies that mentioned tangle teezer brushes not working, have a look at "The Wet Brush". I came across it on youtube. It has really flexible bristles that don't snag or pull at your hair at all while brushing and detangles wet hair like magic. I use it own my own thick wavy hair as well as my fussy toddlers without them screaming and crying like they would from normal brushes, it just glides through smoothly! I bought mine from Amazon for about £9.

www.thewetbrush.com/about

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B005WWQXB6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1425681489&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&keywords=the+wet+brush&dpPl=1&dpID=41sfSov5afL&ref=plSrch

The Jan Marini skin care range is absolutely brilliant (even better than LRP, IMHO), especially the Bioglycolic cleanser.

Not heard of that one Sorrel. Will investigate!

Where do you buy from?

Have added the wet brush to my wish list!

Anywhere on line really (I just Google) especially ones doing a discount. Ebay often has some on sale.

Nip tuck glycolic pads are great used once a night to keep things ticking over. Elemis Marine Collagen Cream is amazing but it's pricey, ditto Creme De La Mer.I actually love Astral creme though and iit's only a quid, I use it on my hands and neck and even on my face when I need the extra moisture. Sweet Almond Oil is the best thing in the world to take eye make up off with. Make up wise I love Rimmel wake up foundation, also unbelievably Asda Boost Foundation in Soft Fawn gives great coverage if, like me you have flaws you want covered. Barry M kohl is awesome and MUA lipstick in Vampire is a great bluey red bargain. My go to lipstick though is Rimmel Heather Shimmer, so flattering, suits nearly everyone.

Do you know, I always imagined Heather Shimmer lipstick was purply but a quick Google shows it's not. I am going to have to pop in to Boots later to have a proper look. I am never happy with my lipstick.

lol at hEaTHER SHIMER the 80s called!

i found Boy a bit like a morgue technician might use

lol improb. I guess it depends on your skintone.

I was recommended Boy as a replacement for the discontinued Fetichè. When I got home I realised it's far too warm for my cool toned pale skin. Still wore it a few times but it doesn't really suit. The coco rouge shine lipsticks are the perfect formula/texture for me though.

DidThatSeriouslyJustHappen- yes, probably more for spots and pores. A less cheap option for glowy skin, is to use Ren's glycolactic mask, or buy a copy of Glamour magazine (for two quid) and select the one with the BalanceMe radiance mask. I used it on Thursday and it has AHAs in it and makes your skin glowy!!

Someone mentioned almond oil for nails - is it a particular brand or bog standard almond oil? And if so, which one do you recommend?

Yeah this Heather Shimmer is different from the one of our school days though, it's richer and creamy, deeper and not sparkly or frosted at all. It's a great neutral especially good for Olive tones but honestly would be awesome for most IMO and you can layer it up. As for the almond oil for nails thing, use Sweet Almond Oil, it's what professional hand models use, it's super cheap and you can get it everywhere, you can even order it on Amazon.
Lol @ Balance Me Mask, I just bought Glamour for that reason, haven't used it yet but will tonight, am excited to try it now.

Argh, all the Glamour mags are going to sell out before I get to them aren't they?