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Even More Fantastic Skincare And Where To Find It

999 replies

botemp · 16/12/2016 10:37

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. Xmas Grin

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 Xmas Wink. 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]:

OP posts:
Thread gallery
41
botemp · 06/01/2017 14:56

Funny, a few things I’ve noticed in your routine have left me with many questions. You mention liking layers of hydration but the majority are glycerin or water based and of the lightest textures, so yes technically you’re hydrating but you’re not really utilising the hydrating heavyweight Hyaluronic Acid or anything of substance. I’d definitely try incorporating the HL in there somewhere. The tatcha really is more of a makeup finishing spray imo than a hydrating spray which is what I’d utilise it for and if you’re feeling dehydrated during day it’ll make for a good top up.

I asked if you were of Asian descent as it can explain your dehydration at such an early age (genetically SEA have a compromised moisture barrier). Otherwise, at your age and only hormonal acne (which isn’t really a skin issue as it’s more hormone related) is a bit of an odd thing to have.

I’m not surprised you’ve seen little improvement with TO, the Niacinamide is formulated for breakout inhibition in the acneic (not the hormonal sort as that is so geared up into hormones, at best it can help calm the situation down once it erupts) where HS Shark Sauce really is made with that Asian ideal of skin brightening and melanin inhibition so they both play to different strengths form Niacinamide. So I think it makes sense to finish up TO and return to Shark Sauce. I have yet to hear anyone say anything nice about TO Lactic Acid 10%, it’s just a dud in their lineup. I suspect the same of the Alpha Arbutin and there will be AB version that are better formulated for what you’re looking for with it, the brightening. The retinoid is again something you wouldn’t find use out of unless you suffer with continual acne/breakouts (rather than hormonal although it may help with how severe this is when it comes but you’d need to use it more often than occasionally, this goes for the Niacinamide too).

Basically you’ve got all the interesting stuff in your stash but it isn’t necessarily ideal for you. You appear to be using a boat load of product (most of which feels superfluous) and I’m not really sure what you’re expecting to achieve, I’m half suspecting your dehydration is on account of excessive product use more than anything else.

Also, curious what you’ve done about the hormonal acne outside of personal skincare, as this is such a difficult thing to tackle with just skincare, it really needs to be a broad approach that may or may not involve prescription medication.

Wrt stash, in all honesty I think you can sell the majority of it. At your age and your specific issues I see no need for the majority of them, some will be too heavy others are just not going to do anything for you unless you have the severely parched skin of a 45+ yo. I can go through it one by one but the general rule, the pricier stuff is best sold on as you just won’t see any improvements from it in relation to the investment.

Are you liking the Melano CC as this is the perfect type of Vit C for you, it’s good for Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation and brightening? You’ve got a few other Vit C in your stash and considering the rapid oxidisation consider selling some especially the DE to me, please Wink. The HS Lemon Shark is MAP so should stay good for a bit. Someone on here was quite happily using the SC Serum 10 but could no longer afford it, they may want to buy it off you.

So wrt to taking down the steps in your routine, I’d suggest finishing up the floral watery type products currently in use like the MC Raw Sauce, OM revitalising beauty booster, OM serenity beauty booster, and repurposing the Tatcha as described above and not rely on them too heavily in your routine. I’m not against floral waters, they can be very nice and soothing but in terms of performing skincare they really don’t have much impact. If you’re severely dehydrated I’d say HL in the AM and HL Premium in the PM. Are you sheetmasking nightly, that feels very excessive too?

Acid toning- similar issues you have a whole load of high end acids that I wouldn’t be reccing anyone unless they had specific issues with the more common and cheaper acids and had no choice but to use those. What have you tried so far in terms of acids and what has it been doing for you? Are you also doing this on the daily?

Eye Cream- unless your skin profile is decidedly different or more sensitive in that area at 22 I really see no point of an eye cream and if you insist on using one at least till the age of about 28 don’t spend a lot of money on it. All you want is a bit of moisturisation, far more important is to wear daily SPF which appears to be completely absent on your routine.

OP posts:
botemp · 06/01/2017 14:58

Notice

Juicyfrooty and purple15 am taking a break now from the questionnaires, will be at least another day before I respond to yours.

Any new ones that are coming in won't be looked at until at least after the weekend.

OP posts:
purple15 · 06/01/2017 15:04

Botemp. Many thanks I really appreciate any help xx

Pupsiecola · 06/01/2017 15:14

No time to actually catch up. But I have some white spots on my eyelids creases. I can only think it's the ... Stila palette Shock.

AuroraPolaris · 06/01/2017 15:17

You are a star boStarStarStar

AuroraPolaris · 06/01/2017 15:38

Funny and since we are all aiming to educate ourselves about effectiveness and ingredients (as opposed to spin and PR) -
The Tatcha has a lot of silicone...
The May Coop has a lot of alcohol...
The Tata Harper's main (cheap) ingredients cannot justify that £££ price (though it might be a nice enough product)...

So I don't want to be "mean" or harsh or whatever- just want to show that what is propagated as a top product (in order to justify £££) is not always so, and by slowly educating yourself about ingredients and INCI lists you can not only save money but truly use what is effective for you personally.

UntamedShrew · 06/01/2017 16:39

So true, Aurora. I've already written about some individual products I've rated or otherwise, but should probably add that my number one discovery/ revelation this year would be that I can get better results from a serum that cost £10 on Amazon (Benton snail) than anything I used to buy for a hundred pounds in space nk (I tried a few zelens ones and was decidedly underwhelmed).

I was forced into changing my spending habits when DH stopped earning for an extended period but feel like I was then buying the next 'thing' whereas now I have such good advice and feel more able to do some informed research and buying more sensibly. I'm still clueless compared to some of you when it comes to ingredient lists but really value you educating us all on that front! So, thanks again.

StainlessSteelButtercup · 06/01/2017 16:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

botemp · 06/01/2017 17:15

I think pupsie bought an eyeshadow palette, not THE palette Buttercup so Stila should really send us all some so we can talk lyrically about them once more. A single cleanse will be fine even with the bombproof SPF, there's a lot of publicity coming out lately that children's SPF are not performing as they claim so I'd keep an eye on it for that. Mostly a double cleanse is to get rid of a day's SPF, make-up, and dirt and grime you accumulate in a day so the morning will never warrant that and over cleansing can be just as damaging as not cleansing.

I keep wanting to make kombucha and then think it'll be better to just buy it... The only issue I have with fermentation is the amount of sugar, as I'm not wholly convinced it's all truly converted.

Also was instantly set to make chickpea miso after seeing a YouTube video for it only for it to end with 'leave for six months' Shock. I don't expect instant gratification but six months from now I'll have forgotten all about it.

Go gently with Funny, Aurora. She's probably spent more on skincare in the past year than all of us combined it's going to take a bit to get to a place of understanding where your money goes in skincare.

It's interesting AB is definitely a cost saver (did the yearly accounts last Wednesday and came in significantly under budget due to TO and AB) but it does mean you have to put far more input in sourcing products as AB contains a lot of junk products and duds too. I think the whole ordering from abroad and having to wait on products actually helps with the sensible purchase attitude too although some go the complete opposite and forget what they ordered and are on a continual cycle of incoming packages they forgot about.

OP posts:
hollinhurst84 · 06/01/2017 17:25

Enid - no problem, the shades are a bit weird. If it starts with a Y it's yellow/warm tones, or R is red/pink/cool tones!
I wear R220

Even More Fantastic Skincare And Where To Find It
EnidButton · 06/01/2017 17:40

Thanks Hollin Smile I'm cool toned but looking at swatches and that chart I was drawn towards the Y ones at the top. Which I suppose means I should find a stockist and go in to swatch myself. But I am tempted just to get the palest R one. They get good reviews.

hollinhurst84 · 06/01/2017 17:50

There's loads of swatched on google which probably give a better view of them on actual skin. I did have success with illamasqua skin base this week using a damp real techniques blender and it went on really nicely. Doesn't seem to work with a brush unless it's one of those oval ones

StainlessSteelButtercup · 06/01/2017 17:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

EnidButton · 06/01/2017 17:54

I'll try that tomorrow. I tend to use the RT stippling brush and then blend with a dry beauty blender. I'll dampen it and just use that tomorrow. I need to try some oval brushes this year.

OpenMindedSceptic · 06/01/2017 17:55

Buttercup Kefir! Blimey, that takes me back! Used to have it weekly as a kid. And sauerkrat! My parents used to put some whole apples inside the barrel too and would make us eat those when we were poorly (shudder!) Grin

EnidButton · 06/01/2017 18:00

Cross posted Stainless I was eyeing marble too actually. Think on my searching this morning that Debenhams stock it now. Not sure if they do the full colour range but I'm happy to get it from Sephora US if they don't. I should test some samples. There was a time I would just pick the lightest shade in a range as there wasn't any other choice. It's great there's an actual choice now.

I think some people use the opposite tone in foundation to balance out their natural skin tone. So like you say, warm for cool toned Etc. I'm not really pink toned so not sure I need to do that but it's interesting that it's the yellow ones I thought looked right.

StainlessSteelButtercup · 06/01/2017 18:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

hollinhurst84 · 06/01/2017 18:04

Yep it's a minefield, like Mac with their NW/NC. I am v definitely NW in Mac and R in MUFE. Hmmmm!! Anything yellow toned at all looks horrific on me

user1471503992 · 06/01/2017 18:31

I've ordered the Niacinamide from TO (and then read your discussion of how it works more for acne than brightening so it may not suit me anyway but never mind), and my Face Theory moisturiser has Vit C in it. Is this enough to be a problem? It's the M2 and I'm using it as day and night cream at the moment. Thanks!

AuroraPolaris · 06/01/2017 18:41

funny, bo - I was going (relatively) easy Xmas Wink

Looove kefir!!! How do you make it stainless?

Interesting about the pediatric SPF bo. Where did you read it? Have a pediatrician friend who really rates the LRP one for sensitive skinned children.

Used the concealer today. Wow!! I literally looked as if I was wearing base even though I'd just put it under eyes, around nostrils and besides that had just mascara and cream blush on. Magic Star

AuroraPolaris · 06/01/2017 18:44

One more makeup like Star

Zoeva 110 brush which I use for concealer and base.

Major 2016 makeup fail -
By Terry cream blush Xmas Angry

(I mailed them about it and they suggested I ehmmm purchase a beauty blender from them and try with that Xmas Hmm)

UntamedShrew · 06/01/2017 18:58

God yes that by terry blush is the pits.

Their eye crayon things though are good, I've had a couple this year that I'd buy again.

I got the chantecaille camouflage concealer for Christmas (thanks mum). On the plus side it's the first 'felt tip' concealer I've ever used that doesn't bring me out in eczema but on the down side it makes very little difference to my dark circles as coverage is very very light. The hunt goes on. Also got chantecaille's illuminator which is lovely to use, feels as much skincare as makeup and doesn't settle into wrinkles.

botemp · 06/01/2017 19:06

I know, Aurora but I don't want to scare Funny's stash away. I think I've had business idea number 3 on the back of this thread. Considering how much stock everyone is sitting on I think there's a huge market for a Vestiaire Collective of skincare where a go-between checks and validates it's all what it's supposed to be and takes a commission and offers a safe marketplace to sell and buy unwanted skincare and decants.

It may have been an article on reddit, I'll look it up again as I think I saw it again in something like The Guardian or similar.

Ha! That's pretty much been my go to look since buying the concealer, sometimes put on a bit of powder (a Givenchy one, it sits somewhere in between a bronzer and finishing powder) and sometimes use my lighter GA concealer for a bit of highlighting on the top of the cheekbones and even in this cold weather it all looks brilliant. Also love how well it stays put all day, tried it over the eyelids today (no shadow though) to test its primer capabilities and it seems to have held up well and added to even more magic as the entire eye area looks so balanced, for some reason making my eyelashes really prominent and looking super long.

Ahem , Shrew you'll want the Sisley concealer, in number 2. Cheapest at allbeauty and even cheaper if the 10% off code still works, it's somewhere upthread around Dec. 30-31st

user, (are you a new one or the returning one?) the niacinamide and Vit C combo warning is mostly with TO products, there have been a few reports of horrible stinging and TO advice against it. In general, while there is a slight risk of flushing with using Nia and Vit C together non-TO products usually don't present this problem. If you see it together in a formulation then it is time to raise your eyebrow. The Vit C in the FT cream won't be all that potent as I sincerely doubt it'll be in the pH range to be active or in a very high %. To make sure just patch test somewhere like the underside of the wrist where the skin is thinner and somewhat more sensitive and if there's no reaction there you should probably be ok.

While the Nia is formulated for blemish inhibition it does also work as a brightener, it has done for me but I suspect a product that had been formulated at 10% for brightening would have given me more impressive results so all is not lost.

OP posts:
user1471503992 · 06/01/2017 19:16

Thanks Bo! I thought I'd give it a try anyway so it's good to know it won't hurt. I will test it as you suggest too. I'm a returnee, something went wrong with my account so I can't change my username, I'm too lazy to bother contacting HQ about it. I had some advice in thread 1 pre questionnaire so someday I'll fill it in properly but you've got a slew of them waiting at the moment.

botemp · 06/01/2017 19:16

Can't find the article but this is the study it's based on. Should say it's a US study where crappy sunscreens are the norm, and they had rather strict criteria testing the sunscreen protection after water immersion (though SPFs did claim to be water resistant) and most notably the children's and 'natural' sunscreens performed really poorly, the Elta MD Clear SPF46 was also deemed terrible as it isn't waterproof. LRP Anthelios came out on top so I'm sure the kiddy version should be good too.

I think for most people using a daily SPF and don't go round dunking their face in water all day there shouldn't be issues but the children's SPF are usually used on holidays, etc. where they will likely get into the water so it's rather damning in that regard.

OP posts: