Even More Fantastic Skincare And Where To Find It

[botemp]

Thread 1

Thread 2

For those who are taking a peek and wondering whether thread 1and 2 are worth reading we mostly discuss a bit of advanced skincare here with a perspective of seeking out the right ingredients for our particular needs. Distinguishing the acid toners from the actives whilst avoiding the truly unimpressive and harmful ingredients with a hope to achieve a bit of anti-ageing, alleviate irritation and sensitivities with some idle chat in between deviations on this thread are mostly my fault.

If you're in need of some advice coming to grips with your skincare routine please don't hesitate to ask, we don't bite, only occasionally sting with a bit of Biologique Recherche P50 now and then . Just make sure to state clearly what your concerns and needs are, skincare is highly individual and a random recommendation for a 'good' product will be completely different from one person to the next.

If you want help, have read through the previous threads, but if you still have questions use the following form to make life easier on us. We generally answer up to two people a day on a first come first served basis. Not everyone will have answers and sometimes we can't answer you at all. We're only a bunch of amateurs that can respond by suggesting what we would do in your place, for any severe conditions please seek out professional help.

Skin type:

Approx age (range):

Primary skin concern:

Routine :

AM :

PM :

Makeup : eg. no/light coverage/medium coverage/heavy coverage

Occasional treatments:

Things I've tried in the past with disastrous results:

Things that are really working well for me now:

Any dietary/health concerns/pregnant:

What I'm willing to spend on a single skincare item: eg. >£10, £10-20, £20-50, £50-100, no limits.

I specifically [want help with/am looking for a product to/am curious about trying]:

bo you know what they say as in the proof is in the pudding so if there was nothing left, it means it was probably delicious!
By the way you can also substitute sugar (and the volume you loose when leaving it out) with sugarless apple mousse or "apple butter" (like the FiordiFrutta jams. Two weeks ago saw that AH make the same stuff now!). That is how I make chocolate muffins.
Got my second batch of the modified Pangiallo in the oven now since we had so much stuff left. AH also sell pure date syrup now (amazing!).
Do post your recipe when you are done perfecting it!

I might have used that code yesterday almost mid night. So I did almost keep my resolution not to buy anything till 2017. Was too good to pass, which of course means that I payed less than I do for same amount of my EL concealer which I will probably have to replace in a month or two.
Love how this thread works! Two weeks ago I told you how amazing it is. We said it's is way too expensive. You go and buy it and discover that shade 2 is even more amazing than 1, I go test it out and totally agree with you... and now lo and behold we manage to get it for %% less. So thanks also to hollin!!!

When I was traveling to see some family a while ago and asked if x relative needs something (small) from here she actually had the cheek to ask me for that concealer, under the unspoken "understanding" from her side that she wouldn't pay me for it (it wasn't a birthday or any other ocasion).
Needless to say I told her she can dream on...

Thought I'd post a list of all my new 2016 skincare bits plus what I think of them. Be nice and very informative to others if we all did it and maybe add skin type/ concerns.

Ehhhmmm bo you forgot to mention the most important skin care bit to be purchased in Spain! The Casmara masks!!! Freelance if you see any of these masks grab them as fast as you can!!!

I keep meaning to that too, well at least from the last few months and I have my box of rejects ready that people are welcome to too. Will get it up later tonight provided there's no need for long responses.

Yes, I've done the applesauce tricks in the past but kind of gave up on it since it's mostly for wet batter/cake stuff. On the back of my creme pat success I'm thinking I should be able to make my beloved Pierre Herme Lemon Meringue tart with stevia but probably omit the meringue part or replace with whipped up chickpea water.

Yes, the Casmara gold mask is brilliant if the weirdest experience ever

You can use whipped coconut fat. Did that for a very nice lemon cheese cake last year.
Also in AH they now have the best coconut milk to do it with - Aroy-D.

Funny enough I don't have any rejects from the recent period, I think... well that's after I gave away that huge pot of Shea Moisture smoothie that even DS who is very particular about his hair refused to use because of the smell. TBH it was also too think and heavy for my hair which is quite fine (for curly hair).

Thanks Aurora! Will trawl a few farmacias mañana to see if I can find them. What's so good about them?

Home at last after driving 3 hours yesterday and again today to stay with friends last night (really didn't expect to be soooo late home from skiing the night before due to the fog). Have had a fab 9 days but omg the introvert in me is screaming for some time at home, with just my DH and DCs. Have barely had a day with the new kitchen. Can't wait to get back to usual routine.

Anyway, I just did a Cattier mask followed by the Una Brennan Rose Mask. Then TO Vit C for the first time in the 9 days. Ouchy ouchy very stingy. Probably only got another couple weeks worth left. Bo did you decide what to do Vit C wise? I am torn. I actually think Vit C has the most impact on my skin from an actives perspective. I don't know whether to try those SC ones from eBay. Anything else on your radar?

Great stuff!

Eye makeup remover - the Nivea duo colour is vg & also body shop camomile eye makeup remover. Someone was talking about eyeshadow palettes before-I'm waiting to try out a nyx quad which looks good

Love to hear about the likes & dislikes of the year!

Likes for me are una Brennan vit c cleansing oil
TO the buffet
Aurelia cell night repair oil (currently lost somewhere at home)
Body shop ginger shampoo (lessens my hairs greasiness)
Aldi caviar cream moisturiser (especially the night cream)

Dislikes: may lindstrom blue cocoon-extortionately expensive & seems to be a glorified Vaseline

Good genes - also made my face sting
Another SR one-the Artemis oil which stank like old chip fat

Una Brennan rose hydrating mask-supposedly for sensitive skin but not as sensitive as mine apparently

Ok have stolen and slightly tweaked Pupsie's (I think) original format for everyone to use.

Discovery of the year:

Would repurchase:

Planned purchases:

Won't repurchase:

Just OK:

Still needed:

Happy to give away/trade:

If trading, looking for the following:

I think coconut would be too rich for that recipe, Aurora, the lemon filling contains quite an amount of butter already so it needs something light on top. It would be great without a meringue like topping too, though, so no real issue.

The Casmara mask is a modelling mask, freelancer it's actually what they use to make a modelling imprint of your face for special effects except they've added in some skincare beneficial ingredients. It comes with a serum (I think it's Vit C based so good for brightening) but Aurora and I just use a lot of our own potent serums as they're not silicone based (but that's personal preference). Anyhow, it seals off completely and makes all your skincare penetrate deeply and quickly while you're cocooned in your own little world (will look up som YT videos about it) and you come out super duper radiant glow from within type deal. It's really a special occasion type thing (spas offer it as a special treatment too at insane prices) although we keep saying we should just use it more often and not save for best.

I haven't decided on the Vit C front, I found a pricey contender on Cult Beauty this Dermadoctor Kakadu C20 with Ferulic +E, but it has a bit of alcohol in it and am not exactly jumping at the bits at that price. Then there's this MABEL + MEG Lumilixir Serum just launched, but I'm wary as it's an Instagram startup that lives exclusively on social media through bloggers, vloggers, etc and we all know how I feel about those type of PR strategies and when I looked at their website to find the % of L-AA it kept describing it as "effectively" 20% (or maybe it was 15), with the quotation marks written exactly as that. I don't trust it much and those that are lyrical about it are spotty teens/early-twenties who probably never used a Vit C serum or much actives in their life.

Then I'm also looking at these from Active Formulas which is a DIY site that also sells a few cosmetics. My issue with that one is the presence of citrus oils (don't always react well to those) and a pH of 1.5 which is super low, I'm worried too low . SC is pH 2.5 and that's already pushing at the edge of what is kind to skin. I think if you've got proper pigmentation and very resilient skin it may work well but I think my skin would shrivel up in fear from just looking at it.

What I really would like is the Drunk Elephant Vit C, it's well reviewed and liked, has good packaging and a clean INCI. Just the whole importing it through Sephora at a high cost when likely the brand will be in Europe within this year by my estimation, possibly with the introduction of Sephora UK. So I might just RP TO Vit C as I don't abjectly hate it and it does the job and will tide me over until I can get DE at reasonable prices considering the already high RRP. Will also be awaiting Shrew's impression on the Nufountain Vit C that she's just taken receipt of.

buckeejit, if you've still got some of the old chip fat Artemis oil and want rid of it I have it on good authority that Nabootique will trade you her first born for it.

I've just finished my pot of Offects TE pads from Obagi, loved them but as I travel a lot carting the pot around is a pain and they're expensive.

Looking for a new bha toner without alcohol and no or very low amount of witch hazel. Wondered about the Paula's choice 2% or the Aveda Kinetics exfoliant.

Does anyone have an opinion or offer another choice? Thank you

Well, the Aveda is high on witch hazel, contains alcohol, and is v. low on the salicylic so on that basis unsuitable to your demands. The PC Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid has no witch hazel and comes in at a good pH and the maximum allowable percentage so on that basis an easy choice, it's also a very good one and comes in a travel size too.

Fab thanks so much Botemp

Thanks botemp. Yes been the vit e cream but was using that with the LRP as a double cleanse is that wrong?

And my skin is now completely fine
Lots of red marks from the spots but no spots at all now. Damn periods

Ahem, my very very long 2016 list. Could probably have formatted it better..

Discovery of the year:

-The Casmara Gold Mask - what started off as a weird AB product chase ended up in Spain, purchased from France and have been precious about the last one left ever since.

-The Naruko Magnolia Gelly probably makes for a good runner up, tying it with the Missha First Treatment Essence (now sadly reformulated and subsequently shit) and TO Niacinamide 10%.

Surratt and The Ordinary as brand discoveries.

Would repurchase:

The above, will continue to always buy the Verso Eye Serum, BR P50 (in some version), SPF from Japan, HA toner from Japan, MV Organics Rose Plus Booster, Omorovicza QoH Mist (purely for the smell), Aurelia Probiotic Miracle Cleanser, Kibiki Premium Facial Wash, PC BHA 2% Liquid, Muji Sensitive Skin Oil Cleanser, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser, LRP Thermal Water Mist, Cattier Masks, Sachajuan dark volume powder, Christophe Robin Shampoo, Conditioner and Hydratant Santal Cream, Chantecaille Faux Cils Mascara, Sisley Concealer and the Benton Steam Cream may even be joining the ranks. Also, the Blithe Abalone Sheet Masks, the Naruko Magnolia Sheet Masks, and the Benton Snail Bee High content Sheet Mask (which I found for a steal on Amazon.co.uk but I'm very doubtful that you'll end up with ten and not just the one, can't find out for myself as they won't deliver to NL).

Planned purchases:

Andalou Probiotic Cleanser to see how it'll match up to my very pricey Aurelia

TO Buffet and Caffeine and possibly Matrixyl

P&M Superstar Retinoil

Eneomoy Advanced C Body Lotion (with 5% Vit C and 30% Glycolic)

A bunch of DIY ingredients to make Vit C and Niacinamide serums for the body, Cleansing Balms, oil blends, and possibly some scented candles.

Won't repurchase:

TO Lactic Acid - used on body so probably unfair but found it underwhelming and know am not alone on this

TO Retinoid - clogged my face and I needed to use more BHA to rectify, not ideal, will, however, RP for use on the body.

Su Man Velvet Skin Brightening Serum - so wanted to love this, made my skin addictingly soft but it made me break out with continued use

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel - actually a decent cleanser, smells awful like bubblegum and made me break out with repeated use. Also confusing as it's a good makeup remover but it's just way too expensive to be a makeup remover and is so-so as a second cleanser.

This Works No Wrinkles Active Serum - a Vit C serum with unknown %, took a gamble when it was on offer. Didn't pay off.

Odacite Eye Contour (sample) - I like the Odacite serums but this one for the eye just isn't my cup of tea, too heavy and too active with the essential oils.

Pai Rosehip Regenerate Serum (overdue) - throwing out nearly full, just fine and didn't do much for me, probably why it never got finished, thankfully a GWP just like the Pai Lotus & Orange Blossom Bioaffinity Skin Tonic because the smell was a bit vinegary.

Things I tried from Pai that failed to excite me:

Chamomile & Rosehip Calming Day Cream
Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

Darphin Ideal Resource Smoothing Retexturizing Radiance Cream - so very meh. Nothing retexturizing or radiating about it but I needed a new moisturiser.

Another moisturiser that failed to impress, Zelens 3t Complex Essential Anti-Aging Cream.

Avene Thermal Water Spray- thought I'd take a walk on the wild side, the LRP nozzle just makes it so much nicer than Avene which is strangely a bit chalky.

Bourjois CC cream Lisa Eldrgidge made me buy it, hated it, full stop.

Givenchy Teint Couture Balm - loved it at first then something happened with the consistency, tried to make it work for so long now but I'm officially giving up on it.

Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder thought it would be a nice cheaper alternative to my LM translucent powder, but it dehydrates the hell out of me and smelled rank

Charlotte Tilbury the retoucher - was perfect at first then went blergh

Charlotte Tilbury the feline flick - way too difficult to work with, no flexibility and colour disappears far too quickly.

I like the CT beach sticks but they're overpriced for what they are, and the company ethics wrt paid content on social media channels makes them dodgy and has me refusing to buy anything from them again.

Just OK:

Pai Echium BioRejuvenate Eye Cream - Gentle and soothing but not terribly exciting.

Verso Day Cream SPF 15 - I actually like this a lot just not at the price they're asking for it.

Vintner's Daughter- as above, liked this a whole lot but the price is only suitable for the insane those with proper dullness issues.

Chantecaille eyebrow gel - it pains me to slathe this, can't really evaluate the hair growth claims as of yet as it's too early but as an eyebrow gel it's pants. I use it as an eyebrow conditioning product at night now instead. Back to the eyeko eyebrow gel it is.

Still needed:

Something with Galactomyces/Saccharomyces to replace my Missha FTE

Happy to give away/trade:

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel (40ml)- think it's good to use up within the next two months, don't know how much is left in it though, tried to reintroduce several times.

Odacite Ba + S sample- used once so plenty left for anyone who wants to try it.

Philip Kingsley Swimcap protective cream (75ml) - never used, good for those who swim often and helps protect the hair from chlorine, sun, and sea damage. Maybe something for you @SaltySeaBird?

Elemis Superfood Facial Oil- largeish sample, unused.

Sachet samples :

Clinique Smart Custom Repair eye treatment
Clinique Smart Custom Repair - serum
Lancome Visionanaire Advanced Multi Correcting Cream
Exuviance (Neostrata) Multi Protective Day Cream SPF 20
Exuviance (Neostrata) Ultra Restorative Cream
Clinique Pep-start hydrorysg moisturizer
Dr. Brandt Oxygen facial - this is very weird, for those who like a tingly experience

I have a bunch of deluxe sample too, Clarins, Chanel, Estee Lauder, mostly but I don't keep track of those or whether I've tried them or not so am wary to be sending those of, so think the bin is where they will go.

If trading, looking for the following:

I don't really need anything but if anyone happens to have a P&M Superstar Retinoil sample I'll happily take that, also tend to hoard the Aurelia Miracle Cleanser travel size samples.

Totally thought I'd have more to give away but most of it is over the proper use date so I won't be taking any risks with that.

bracey, just pulled your file. It's my mistake , I read your Vit E cleanser as the Superdrug Vit E Hot Cloth Cleanser. So while not the ideal scenario to have two cream cleansers (the ideal being an oil based cleanser followed by a cream cleanser) is it working at least? The Vit E cleanser is a bit of a hybrid oil/cream cleanser so provided it takes your makeup off it's all we really want from it, it's worth looking at the BS Chamomille Cleansing Butter or Clinique TTDO or equivalent further down the line if preferred.

Discovery of the year:* - the ordinary range! As well as makeup geek highlighters

Would repurchase:* the ordinary ha/b5, niaci, retinol and alpha a
Etude house face blur
Boots botanics cream cleanser
Heimish all clean balm
Colourpop lipsticks

Planned purchases:* Lancôme teint idole 24hr
Some new eyemakeup remover (will be raiding boots!)

Won't repurchase:* skinfood light moisturiser - goes white for too long when rubbing in
Mizon snail gel - made me break out

Just OK:* - can't think of anything!

Still needed:* - something to stop these hormonal spots

Happy to give away/trade:* mizon snail gel and the skinfood light moisturiser

If trading - can't think of much, eye makeup remover or any samples of Korean stuff

In my clearing out frenzy I came across some Skyn Iceland Blemish Dots with Salycilic in them, they work on spots locally so maybe a temporary solution when you have the outbreaks to take away the worst of the inflammation, Hollin? They are pricey though so maybe the CosRx One Step Pimple Clear Pad are a good alternative, I actually suspect they're the same as the Skyn Iceland (as those are made in Korea) just the type of Salicylic is different for Korean regulations beyond that they look identical. The Koreans are weird enough to apply makeup over those patches but it just looks odd to me .

Two days in so early days but I like the Nufointain vit-C so far. Very slight tingle but I have been using other vit-C products for some time now so would say you may feel more of a tingle if you aren't similarly accustomed to it.

It is a fairly simple product, water-like and you have to be very careful not to splash any onto clothing (as it will stain like rust once it oxidises).

So far my skin loves this as it does with any vit-C serum. And I prefer this form of application to the TO cream which felt weirdly like an exfoliator to me. There is no stickiness from the glycerin which can be an issue in these kind of watery serums.

The obvious downside is it will only be effective for at most 4 weeks so you should replace frequently. But on the upside it was relatively cheap (I really think it holds its own vs the SC vit-C and ferulic which is £££ and has the same issue with longevity - but I've put ingredients below so anyone more informed than me on these products can correct me if I'm very wrong here!) and arrived quickly from the US. It also has a recent 'made on' date which is good to know.

Ingredients:
Purified water, 20% l-ascorbic acid, glycerin, ethoxydiglycol, magnesium sulfate, dl-pathenol, sodium hyaluronate, ferulic acid, sodium pca, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol.

Ooh I shall have a look at those. I'm just left with a shed load of red marks which I know will fade, then next month rinse and repeat
They're not big cystic spots, more like little tiny whiteheads

Thank you botemp. Wow you keep track of us all on file. You are amazing!! :)

Thank you I will carry on with the stuff I've bought cos I've opened it now and it wasn't too pricey. At least I can see if the brand suits me and will get an oil based cleanser.

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00F165210/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1483307290&sr=8-1&keywords=body+shop+camomile+cleansing+butter&dpPl=1&dpID=31o4AqyC2KL&ref=plSrch

Is this the right cleanser?

Yes, that's the one bracey but I think it will be considerably cheaper to buy from the Bodyshop directly where it's £10 and they do constant offers (I think they regularly drop to 40% off in the UK).