Fantastic Skincare And Where To Find It

[Pupsiecola]

In honour of bo who has been so helpful on the first thread, which can be found here...

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/a2759152-Skincare-Ingredients

It was me asking about the Clarins self-tan drops.

Untamed look at Face Theory. I have day and night moisturisers, and also their retinol. I'm really impressed with them and they are very reasonable.

bo thanks for the strip recs. Hopefully he will like it! Also saw there is s strip called January about a female agent/ pilot in WWII. Looks cool!

My dad was in Poland this summer and visited a few camps. He said it was much more harrowing than he thought it would be (and he's kind of tough and has traveled a lot)... I think that if I went I wouldn't sleep for the rest of my life (not kidding).

yongian so happy the Stila is working for you!

Shrew I have a few ideas but too tired to think properly now so will have a think and respond tomorrow.

But OMG the rose hip oil!?!?! I think you could def benefit from acids and an oil (everyone here knows I loooove oils ). We just have to find you the right one!

Shrew

AM

No more splashing in the shower preferably, dry/dehydrated is fine to go without cleanser in the morning but just splash with not too hot water (it's drying) at the sink, please

Try patting the Vit C in instead of rubbing, placing three small dots on your finger tips and pat in gently but quickly, at least till you get to the end of it. It's the best way I've found it to work and to leave it alone for at least 30 secs after applying, I usually brush my teeth or something. I would not DIY with Vit C, it's too tricky and unstable and the initial layout is quite pricey. With your budget concerns I'd try the Nufountain C20+ Ferulic Vit C from amazon.com (not uk), $26.99 (shipped I believe for that price). Keep it in the fridge to preserve its potency as long as possible.

Olay serum - if you're not having issues using this and TO Vit C together continue as you were, but the high Niacinamide content and Vit C are contraindicated by TO, but as mentioned before the science on this is iffy.

eucerin cream,

biore watery essence SPF

I'm assuming both of these ^ are working well for you? Dulci (also dry/dehydrated) and I (normal/dehydrated) are both enjoying the Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream which is great on the occlusive and hydrating front if you need an alternative. Dr. Hauschka Rose Cream if you're in need of something heavy duty to combat dryness (not too strong on hydration.

PM

Emma Hardie balm, < I'm still waiting to hear from Hollin what it's like but I think the Heimish All Clean Balm could be a viable alternative (it's around US$15 shipped) but so is the Body Shop Chamomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter at £10 and usually there's a discount available.

Since you're not using base makeup and the Biore is a wash off that isn't sweat/water proof I think single cleansing is fine for you, esp. considering the dryness.

alternative nights retinol (was skinceuticals, just started trying TO 2%)

and other nights Olay serum then < there's no issue of using this together with the retinol, as long as it layers well I'd use these together or add in the Vit C on retinol nights (use before retinol), Vit C helps boost the efficacy of retinol (also SPF but I'd stick to using Vit C once a day).

TO Argan oil < I'd add in moisturiser here, before or after oil (and I'm assuming you use this every night) or drop in the oil in moisturiser, you can do this in the AM too for the dryness.

Things I'd think about adding in:

An extra hydrating serum AM/PM like TO Buffet

Acids- prepare to not be surprised I think it's worth trying BR P50 because it is that transformative. Pricewise it isn't the cheapest (can't recall the price in GBP, if someone can help out with that) but the 50ml travel size lasts for well over 6 months (mine is yet to finish, it's been 7 months and I've given out two decants) to use on the nights you're not using Retinol. Just for clarification what were the issues with the acids you tried?

You can consider phasing out the Olay Serum and replacing with the TO Niacinamide 10% and when Aurora (also dry no longer dehydrated) can form some proper feedback on it the TO Matrixyl.

Possibly invest in some oil blends, I know this gets expensive but if you're dry oils are the place to invest your money and the single straight blends tend to under-perform in comparison.

Can't let mention of the Holocaust and the camps go by without saying a personal abiding wish for all those people to be at peace. We really must never forget what happened...and what can happen when hate takes over. Harrowing.
I understand the compulsion to visit, though I don't have a personal connection I'm aware of...I've watched several documentaries on the subject, always through tears. I seriously doubt I would have the strength to visit, myself, hat off to anyone who has.

Thank you pupsie and aurora. Well yes I know the oil thing sounds weird but when I started using it I definitely grew a few hairs that were darker and coarser than anything I'd ever seen on my face before. Plucked and stopped using and they never grew back - thank goodness. I know some people use oils like castor to encourage hair growth e.g. Eyebrows so that's what made me think it could have been the oil, and cutting it out did seem to remove the issue.

Also, yes hair inducing ingredients are real! Basically something like rose hip oil exfoliates somewhat and encourages cell turnover so it can activate some dormant or thin the skin on a follicle that never had enough strength to push through the skin suddenly can, usually it doesn't last as the ingredient over time encourage thickening of the skin again (with Vitamin A).

There was another one with a French girl in the resistance that looks good too, Elke raaf pikt (also originally French) but I think it's more historical drama/love story so I don't know how suitable it would be for a boy. I do think though that putting aside the human tragedy of it all it was a really interesting time for the emancipation of women, though sadly quickly forgotten soon after. Was very taken with the BBC show the Bletchley Circle, though only watched the first season, think it may be on Netflix now.

OK and before I'm off to sleep for those that wanted to see what a Sinterklaas surprise is...
Plus a photo of the little spiced cookies (kruidnoten) that bo mentioned that I baked tonight with the kids for a friend that was widowed a couple of months ago.

Wow thank you Bo for your help - so kind of you. The acids were making my face feel tight and even more dehydrated. And sometimes I just wasn't sure I was using them in the right way/order so I'd leave them out, especially as I'd never been impressed by the results.

And yes I've never had an issue with vit C/ niacinamide, I've never experienced the flushing. I'll try the application method you suggest, thanks.

Can I ask, when you say an oil blend, would that be something like a clarins blue orchid oil? I loved this but stopped using it when someone told me it was too fragranced to be any good for the skin.

Yes aurora thanks - was it you who recommended it? Thanks if so!
bo yes I absolutely intend it to be in line with the 'no make-up make-up' look as that is my preferred MO. I did feel more made-up with it on, but actually in a good way, and I strongly dislike obvious make up on me. I think my skin just had more life and warmth to it. As I say, I reckon with practice you could get really deft and minimal but still get max results. That's my goal - I'm a dab-of-tinted-moisturiser-and-a-bit-of-concealer kind of gal really, despite not really having the skin(yet!) for it. I'm looking forward to getting back to the Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser once I've used up the Sephora one and seeing how the Stila palette works with that.
My next 'invisible make-up' quest is some new great blushers. I think it was you aurora who said it's really worth getting the best pigment here...think you're right and I'm due an upgrade...sorry to digress into make up...

I LOVE that giraffe aurora!

That sinte klaas surprise is awesome!!!!

Aurora That is an AMAZING giraffe! Lovely looking cookies too.

Hope you and bo and DC have a great time on Monday.

Pupsie I like the clarins drops - they take the edge off for me, rather than actual tanning. Have you tried the body version? It works out a lot cheaper than the face but I'm not sure what else is different.

Jo another apology if you felt you were being ignored. Tbh although I post fairly often, the wealth of knowledge can feel a bit intimidating so I read more than I post. I didn't get on with that Indeed either, totally agree with you that it left me feeling more dehydrated. I am really liking the ordinary buffet at the moment.

Dulci / Pupsie I use the clarins tanning milk for face - tried the drops but found I had more problems with staining around my nails from these, from when I mixed it into the moisturiser, even though I washed my hands afterwards. Neither makes me look tanned, just less sickly pale

I sooooooooo don't believe your DS made that, Aurora, the other mums will be green with envy

Yes it sounds like you can play a bit with dimension and light/shade without contours and shimmery highlights, yongnian. That actually sounds very appealing... why did I mention it .

Yes, something like the Blue Orchid, Shrew. The Clarins one does have a lot plant extracts and fragrance which Paula Begoun fanatics will declare the devil. It depends per person, I'm sensitive to fragrance but not plant extracts but I think as far as oils go the Clarins one is a good one especially for the money if it didn't cause you irritation. If you want one without fragrance the Pai Age Confidence oil is a nice one, helps a bit with dehydration too and I think would be just under the £50 mark.

I haven't tried any other clarins self-tanners, untamed, good to hear there are other reliable options. Interesting that you got staining from the drops, I didn't think they could be that potent!

On blushes yongnian, I've ordered the Surratt La Vie en Rose. Hopefully it will arrive soon and I will let you know if it's worth the splurge and suitable for the 'barely there don't I look so naturally healthy despite having 200 products on my face' look .

Invisible blushes...I am using Rouge Bunny Rouge blush wand in Vermeer a lot at the moment, and Becca beach tints are great too, but I think the shade range has shrunk. Watermelon is the original and best, for me anyway. Tinted moisturiser girl here too, yong, powder blushes always look a bit more done IMO.

Great thread! I've about the last 15 posts to read & will have to query tomorrow. I've started a regime over the last year & my skin is better but not best so will fill in the Q & hope someone has advice! Thanks & g'night ;)

Botemp I can't use any of the other ultracalming range only the cleanser, the eye serum made my eyes stream and sting! The spray toner burned and barrier repair breaks me out as does any other silicone based product! But I do love the cleanser and active moist or skin smoothing cream they seem to be the only products I can use long term without my skin suddenly freaking out.
I recently tried la Roche posay toleriane ultra day and night creams and regretted it almost instantly! My skin went red, felt hot and very irritated :( I'm fine with their spf though (the dry touch gel cream one) and am on my second bottle of hylamide sub q with a third already in the cupboard as it was on offer recently.
Not long ago I also tried jojoba oil (mv organics one) which again my skin hated and made me realise my skin doesn't really like oil, I get on better with oil free hydrating products which are actually hard to find as oil free products are usually aimed at oily skin and often contain alcohol or oil absorbing ingredients which far from hydrate! Add to that I cannot use anything that lists fragrance/parfum in the ingredients on my face!
I still need to find a foundation I love and a shampoo and conditioner which doesn't flare up my psoriasis and makes my hair nice! Currently trying a sample of the new dermalogica shampoo and TBS banana conditioner seems the best of a bad bunch for me (matching shamp was a bit drying)
Goodness I've waffled on a bit here!

Do any of you both with a spritz toning stage? Wondering if I'm going to use something as potent as the BR P50 would i need something to calm skin down or as a buffer layer between the p50 and a serum..?

I use the Serozonic spray from LRP sometimes, especially before a thicker oil.

I remember jo, shame the jojooba didn't work out for you, I think Nabootique and I were the ones suggesting you give that a go . The Dermalogica cleanser was really irritating to my eyes (I think that entire range is) my face seemed to be ok with it but never used it long enough to truly evaluate. I hate when companies market to sensitive skin and it's harsher than some of the non-sensitive skin things and ususally full of silicones, specifically the aggravating kinds . LRP is an odd brand with a few hits and plenty of misses, I only can really recommend the Toleriane Fluid from the Toleriane range, the ultra really doesn't have a nice set of ingredients in it. Likewise the Toleriane gel cleanser is useless where the dermo cleanser is fine.

How are you with Squalane? I know you can get that as a 100% solution and is safe to use and cheap albeit a bit one dimensional. It works like an oil but isn't iyswim.

Shrew, when you start using P50W you use it on a damp cotton pad initially to dilute it somewhat as you get used to it. I don't see a need to spritz anything post P50, you do get a bit red (the standard P50 moreso than the W) but it's not irritating or a lasting sting (it can sting a bit when applying but I've not noticed this with the W version and I am quite sensitive to these things). I usually leave it a bit, brush my teeth or apply the remnants on the pad to elbows, knees, and if there's enough upper arms and the redness is usually subsided by the time I get to the next step in my facial routine. I think it's best to move on serum without anything in between as you're giving it the best chance to penetrate at its most effective (just don't use a retinol).

Just remembered now, when I first bought it they did mention that if it felt too strong you can rinse it off after applying (I'd have to look up the time but something like after 5-10mins) or use something like LRP thermal water spray, but that would still only be in the temporary whilst you're getting used to the product and slowly removing these extra steps in the long term. If you can't tolerate it with those extra steps than the product just isn't suitable.