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]:

Though we don't need the palette anymore mind you

But if Stila's offering, I'll still take it

Please don't ask about foundation as I might have to list mine

Should point out Aurora and I are both in the Netherlands where wearing makeup is definitely a less is more affair, and in certain circles heavy makeup is frowned upon. The standard mode here is pretty much bareface or a bit of mascara for the day, with the exception of younger girls for whom it is definitely changing as they are sucked into the insta-trends.

This was many years ago in my early twenties when I studied in Paris for a few months - via some family I met a woman who worked in fashion and she took a like to me and used to take care of me a bit, ask me out in the weekends etc. So through a friend of hers I once met a woman who wore only Chanel 24/7 and nothing else, ever! Including a lot of haute couture, of course. She basically had a private collection of Chanel and even invited my friend to her house to see it. She was not so old at the time and pretty good looking...

On the other hand you have me
I model part time and have to be able to do my own makeup in case of emergency! I own a LOT but I use it

Yes like bo said. Less is more and there is no pressure to pile it on or look a certain way. I do love all the pretty colours though...

I'll take it too obvs

Think it was a while ago but there was this great Chanel documentary (I'm sure you saw it too), and I especially loved the bit where the elderly woman in some hovel of a farm in the countryside made the special trim for all the jackets. No one could figure out how she did it despite sending hundreds of apprentices to learn it from her, but I loved the seamstresses to and their utter dedication, it's a marvel to watch but you are left wondering who is buying it.

I think there was a bit where Oprah Winfrey came in and bought a few suits but I've never seen her wear any, from what I gathered it was mostly women who had earned that money themselves which I thought was interesting as you'd expect the opposite but it makes sense as they'd actually need a custom suit for more than the odd luncheon (I'm guessing they can offer them up as expenses too).

Foundations while I remember. I apply them all with a beauty blender and I'm v pale, probably NW13 in MAC
Ones I like only and use regularly

Heavier ones
Lancôme teint 24hr
Urban decay all nighter
Kevyn aucoin sensual skin enhancer (mixed with moisturiser) and used neat on spots

Lighter coverage
Makeup forever HD (this is the old version, not tried the new)
MAC waterweight
Gosh foundation drops
Urban decay naked foundation
Chanel les beiges

BB creams
Dollish veil vita in purple
A'pieu air fit BB cushion

Very gentle fist bump back Hollin

I found it amusing to get people to write on my arm with their finger as a teen, but it's just annoying now. Calm down skin!

I remember that Chanel doco, it was fascinating.
Gratuitous shelf pic attached.
Body skin is very unhappy at the mo - festive excesses and excess weight = eczema/dermatitis flare ups...am taking the matter firmly in hand now...
Will soon bore everyone post my current routine for scrutiny and request some advice on actives...
bo your wallet may be safe in Sephora, I actually couldn't find much I wanted to splash on amazingly, not compared to last time...but it was maybe because the Christmas stuff was still hanging about dispiritingly...

Shestood skincare is in a glass fronted floor cabinet in the bathroom. DH uses the en suite only so the bathroom cupboard is just my stuff. Foundation- I'm using Illamasqua skin base at the moment although I'm not hugely convinced. Bought mainly as they do one pale enough for my skin tone. It's a brilliant colour match and doesn't oxidise at all which I often have a problem with. Really pigmented so you don't need much. But it's a bit...chalky at times and takes a lot of working with. I want one I can just stipple and sponge on and not have to spend ages blending. Have recently tried Hourglass vanish seamless foundation stick. Again, great colour choices, the one I got might even be too pale for me 😱 but it's so thick and clings to every single tiny dry bit. I'm now using it as a concealer. Foundations are so tricky. At least brands have started extending their colour ranges out at either end from the middle tan/beige/nude shades, so that's something.

Enid - I really like the makeup forever ones, I have pink porcelain and it's v pale

Hollin I hadn't thought of looking there. Thank you! I really like their hd powder so I'll take a look.

Arrrrrrgh!!! My skin is more dehydrated at mo probably due to cold weather and central heating!! It looks parched and dull on surface and a few flakes but still getting the "shine" on forehead and nose!
I need something to hydrate it even more (already using hylamide subq morn and night) but without the oil as for some reason my skin never absorbs anything with oil! And i start breaking out

Yeah I too saw that fascinating documentary!
That woman, by the way did not earn that money herself but was married to a very big industrialist. Was actually very comical because both me and my friend had just met her and she sat there in her tweed suit and perfectly placed beret telling us what a sacrifice she'd made by leaving her first family (including kids) behind to be with this man
My friend and I laughed at that for days... so thanks for evoking that long forgotten memory!!

Yong thanks for sharing the lovely pics

Aurora, would that silica gel you linked yesterday be good for mint/jo? Can't really decipher the INCI from the linked page.

Hello again, been following silently. Happy New Year!

I have re introduced TO Vit C, so far so good, no rash or irritation. I just started with a very little bit and have been putting it on every other night and gradually increasing the amount to a 'normal' amount and all seems fine. I'm not mad keen on the texture but it is fine for me.

I'm finding now that my skin is reacting really well to my routine and looks the best it has in a long time, even with the excess alcohol and treats consumed over the Christmas period. I am due on my period on Monday and usually have a big spot or two on my chin by now but I have nothing! So pleased. I've been sugar free since 31/12 and am feeling the benefits of that already.

JD see how you get on the the PC BHA that Bo sent you, if it doesn't have much effect then let me know and I'll send you a decant of the PC clear extra strength.

Discovery of the year:
Skincare! I was using face wipes twice a day most days, a Jan Marini routine some mornings that wasn't really working for me which cost a fortune to replace. I now have my skincare routine in place and have not deviated from it once! I love it!

I really like TO products, esp the Niacin and HA.

PC Clear BHA 2% extra strength as been a revelation with regards to clearing blackheads, congestion and stopping spots in their tracks. Wonder product for me.

Would repurchase:
Clinique TTDO, LRP Toleraine dermo cleanser, LRP Toleraine fluid, TO Niacin, HA, Vit C, Origins clear improvement clay mask, PC 2% Clear BHA, Keihls midnight recovery oil.

Planned purchases:
I've ordered TO caffeine eye serum, HA+ moisturising factors, HA & Niacin which is due to be delivered today.

I think in time I am going to give P50W a try, but want to introduce a retinoid first. I have TO 2% sitting on my shelf waiting for a try. If that doesn't work for me I may try the P&M retinol.

Won't repurchase:
Alpha-H Liquid Gold. This really doesn't work for me. I wake up the next morning with a think sheen of oil all over my face and then developed a rash all over my cheeks which took over a week to clear with antihistamines.

LRP Hydrene light moisturiser. Same as above, really didn't agree with me for some reason. The reaction was so bad I won't try either again on my face.

Just OK:

TO Alpha Arbutin. I couldn't see that this did anything for me. Won't RP and don't really use it now.

Still needed:
I am going to give P50W a go at some point in the future and also have my eye on Clarins Lotus oil.

Happy to give away/trade:
I don't want my LG if anyone wants it!

If trading, looking for the following:

Nothing at the moment!

Don't have the box anymore just the bottle and it doesn't list the ingredients and neither can I find them online at the moment but I think it's just silica and distilled water.
By the way last time I ordered I must have gotten the capsules (oral) by mistake - so if anyone wants those...

Oh and willing to trade two almost unused perfumes (the top of the Davidoff is a bit broke though, but still works fine)

Hello stalker StainlessSteelButtercup, you're like number 6 in line... but since you scared DD as the snail goo serial killer you get moved in front of the line though mostly because you're easy to answer quickly and get out of the way You have the basics down so I doubt you're asking for advice there.

Wrt to SPF in the morning for exercise, if you're using the Biore it's not really offering much protection as it isn't sweat proof so you'll wear through it as you sweat (and it's a lightweight SPF that doesn't require an oil cleanser to remove). Even if wearing a heavier weight SPF a single cleanse should suffice, you might prefer an oil cleanse if you're using a heavy duty SPF.

I think the CosRX ASMPE is on the thicker side in terms of consistency but can't remember properly but it should be fine to use AM/PM where you'd usually do a hydrating product. Slow is good, you're taking the right approach with things. Just check in again when you want specific acid advice.

Would love to hear about the fermented/probiotic foods, am a big fan myself but turns out it's a natural gravitation more than anything else. Was apparently demanding sauerkraut for dinner from a very young age .

Silly, no the hormonal acne sufferers are usually in the 35-45 yo range (sometimes a bit younger, sometimes a bit older). I can’t see that rice mask doing much damage but nor will it do anything lasting. Rice water is great and a very long and tested home beauty remedy in SEA from time immemorial but it’s always the water rice is soaked in (and not white rice either, brown with the husks still attached) not what it’s cooked in. It’s full of B and E vitamins which are beneficial to the skin but you’re better off buying it in a product (easy as it is to make a face spritz with a few rice grains in some thermal water, there are definite contamination and bacterial growth issues if you’re not using a preservative system. The CosRx overnight rice mask is worth looking at, it’s really good for hydration and with your issues I’d definitely be looking for lots of layers of hydration. Going by your answers I’d say your combo with dehydration.

AM :

LRP toleriane cleanser in the shower as mentioned before, at the sink, and I do hope this is the Toleriane Dermo Cleanser

Some form HA serum/lotion - since you’ve indicated anti-ageing, Hylamide SubQ or TO Buffet are worth considering, although TO HA 2% + B5 may be more ideal with the acne/oily skin type. You can also choose to do TO HA here and one of the others at night.

followed by LRP effaclar mat moisturise (up to last week it was no cleanser and Kiehls day stuff with 50spf) - what’s the Kiehl’s stuff as it might be preferable, by the INCI I’m not a fan of the LRP Eff Mat (very high in alcohol which is drying and imo not conducive as it only encourages skin to produce more oil and offers little in the form of hydration).

SPF - The Biore Watery Essence will probably suit you, it does have a high % of alcohol but it’s functional in delivering the UV filters. If you do find it drying look at LRP Anthelios. NB LRP BB cream is not to be considered a sunscreen, SPF in makeup and moisturisers rarely deliver the promised protection and are only sometimes the required broad spectrum (as in protecting against UVA and UVB rays).

PM :

an oil cleanser these are soap free and ideal for oily/combo skin. Think a liquid oil cleanser like the DHC cleansing oil may be preferable to a balm like Clinique TTDO or Body Shop CB (though both those balms come in a liquid version too but I’d rec the DHC over those). You should be able to source smaller deluxe samples or a travel version of the DHC quite easily to try first.

olay regenerist exfoliatiing cleanser (I can't use soap based stuff) this contains microbeads which is terrible for the environment (which is why they’re being banned so this product will soon cease to exist or be reformulated). Besides tha a daily physical exfoliant for your face is terrible too as again it strips your skin of its own natural defences along with the bad and encourages more oil production to compensate. Use the LRP Toleriane Dermo cleanser here instead.

Nip and Fab glycolic pad - ^I’d rather see you using BHA primarily rather than glycolic, you can use an AHA as well but I’d trade one for the other initially. I think for you the Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Clear (regular or extra strength will) suit you best. Get some sachets first to try or a travel sized version.*

Art naturals 2.5% retinoic serum (about to run out and a recommendation for a replacement would be fab) some of us have experienced clogging with it (though generally on those of us on the drier side), but TO Advanced Retinoid 2% probably a good replacement.

Mizon snail recovery ampoule

Charlotte Tilbury magic eye cream (not convinced by this but should use it up...) yes, use this up first if it isn’t bothering you. If you’re targeting things like laughter lines look into LRP Redermic R for eyes for future purchase. An eye cream should be used after serum before moisturiser.

Aveeno salicylic acid moisturiser - use it up as you like it but I’m not all that convinced by it going by the INCI that’s full of potential irritants and does little to really address dryness/hydration. Think AM/PM LRP Toleriane Fluide (not the Ultra) or a Face Theory moisturiser will work better and you can try the CosRX overnight rice mask in addition to it or in place of in the PM a few times a week for added hydration (though some use it daily, also ok if needed).

Standard advice stands: Keep your face away from the shower water, it's too hot. All skincare cleansing happens at the sink. Tepid water, clean flannel every day. Wash hands before starting routine. Acids need to be introduced slowly (2-3 x a week, building up to every (other) day dependant on need), some purging may occur but should not continue, nor should continued irritation with any product. Generally introduce products slowly (cleansers are exempt from this), 2 weeks apart.

ATrueNerd

Right, I assume you still haven’t RTFT as I’ve pretty much answered your question a few pages back already. I’ve added in a sample routine and some of the most often repeated products recommended on here, specific info for you all the way at the bottom:

Skincare 101 or How to Get Started with a Proper Routine When You Haven’t Got One or Something Vaguely Resembling It

Where to start

The basics: Keep your face away from the shower water, it's too hot. All skincare happens at the sink, including cleansing. Tepid water, clean flannel every day. Wash hands before starting routine. Acids need to be introduced slowly, some purging may occur but should not continue, nor should continued irritation with any product. Generally (hard in your case I'm aware) introduce products slowly (cleansers are exempt from this), 2 weeks apart.

• In terms of informing yourself, you’re probably well on your way. The most important thing is to start mapping out the time you’ll take for yourself on the daily. The most important routine in the PM is always at the risk of being hurried or forgotten. It really is a point of it becoming a habit which it’ll become soon enough with continued use but some tricks to actually make it happen are the following:

-Tying it to dental care: cleanse first, then brush teeth etc. (assuming you’re at least dedicated to this 2x a day), then finish up routine.

-Doing your routine as soon as you get home from work/after dinner/with DC around bedtime or equivalent to have it done early in the evening around a set moment and not needing to worry about it or feel too tired for right before bed.

-Moving everything but your cleansing routine out of the bathroom so you can’t be harassed out of there during the morning rush, take time in a more peaceful setting or whilst doing other things, etc.

• In terms of tools it’s probably worth getting a set of dedicated flannels to be used once a day (I prefer the plusher top of the line ones from Primark, the ones from Ikea 10 for a pound or thereabouts are a bit rougher and not suitable for sensitive skin but may be fine for others, some may prefer muslin, etc.)

• Product wise you’ll want to find an SPF you’ll enjoy wearing on a daily basis first and not an SPF in another product such as moisturiser or makeup. These are rarely broad spectrum and often don’t provide the promised coverage. You’ll want an SPF30+ in winter and SPF50 come summer time. If you can find one you like that is sweatproof great, otherwise, you’ll most likely need a separate one when spending long periods of time outdoors and/or doing exercise.

• If you can only manage the bare minimum on the daily then it should be cleansing + SPF in the AM and cleansing + moisturiser or facial oil in the PM. In saying that it’s also a good strategy to keep your routine small to start to keep it both manageable and achievable but also to avoid the inability to track possible incompatible products.

• Relegate products that aren’t working for you now to body care.

Order of things to buy and try

Phase 1: SPF + Oil Cleanser (for PM) + Cream or other gentle cleanser (for AM and possibly double cleanse if necessary/wear makeup)

Phase 2: Moisturiser and possibly a Hyaluronic Acid based serum for hydration

Phase 2.1: If at this point you still feel like you could use a bit of extra moisturiser a facial oil at night will help out.

Phase 3: Start researching Active Ingredients that will address your specific needs/help address your skincare goals eg. Exfoliating Acids, Vitamin C, Retinol, Niacinamide, etc.

Order of product in a skincare routine:

AM

Gentle (cream) cleanser
Serum to address specific need, eg. hydration, anti-ageing, acne, etc.
Moisturiser
SPF

PM

Oil based cleanser
Gentle (cream) cleanser
Acid toner
Serum to address specific need
Moisturiser and/or facial oil

Regularly repeated recs on here:

First PM/Oil Cleansers: DHC Cleansing Oil, Clinique Take The Day Off balm, Body Shop Chamomile Cleansing Butter, (Superdrug Vit E Hot Cloth Cleanser).

Second/AM cleanser: LRP Toleriane Dermo Cleanser

Acid Toners: AHA - Biologique Recherche P50, Nip & Fab Glycolic if you’re on a budget and can tolerate glycolic, the fragrance, and alcohol well. BHA - dependant on skin type one of the various 2% liquid PC BHA toners; the 2 % perfecting liquid, 2% clear regular strength, 2% clear extra strength, the Resist 2% pore refining.

Serums: Various from the Ordinary, AB, etc. dependant on need.

Moisturiser: LRP Toleriane Fluide for oily/combo, Face Theory have several moisturisers for different type of skin, Benton Steam Cream for normal to dry and those sensitive to fatty alcohols.

SPF: Biore Watery Essence for combo/oily, LRP Anthelios Fluid SPF50 for various skin types.

Since you've given me very little information to go on, for you specifically I'd say have a look at the Face Theory moisturisers and probably the Hylamide SubQ or TO Buffet Serum and if you can't really be bothered to do much more than what you are doing currently get a decent SPF and cleansing routine going.