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Ditch The Foundation, Embrace Some Fantastic Skincare Instead!

999 replies

botemp · 29/01/2017 08:36

Thread 1

Thread 2

Thread 3

Thread 4

For those who are taking a peek and wondering whether thread 1,2, 3, and 4 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. 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 Wink. Just make sure to state clearly what your concerns and needs are in as much detail as possible, skincare is highly individual and a random recommendation for a 'good' product will be completely different from one person to the next.

Make sure you've read the earlier threads (or at the very least the first one) so we're not being asked to answer to previously raised questions. It takes a lot of time and effort to answer these queries and often the answers can be found in previous threads, but if you still have questions relating specifically to you, use the following form to make life easier on us. We generally answer one or 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]:


Ahem, and finally a little note on spending. I'm well aware these threads cause many to reach for their wallets and spend with wild abandon. There can sometimes be a bit of a frenzy surrounding the excitement around a newly discovered product or on the back of great improvements when someone reports back. This is all great, it doesn't however, mean everything that's a sudden miracle for one will be it for you. Usually, it's a light bulb moment for connecting the right skincare ingredient with an individual experiencing a specific problem. Take your time to mull over decisions and question whether it's right for you too. Skincare is highly individual, it's a slow game that should cost mostly in patience, input, education, and perseverance. Please don't make it cost you financially needlessly either.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
35
yongnian · 02/02/2017 12:46

I am wearing my badge I actually really am on the sofa clutching snotty toddler tissues with pride!! Halo
On another issue I have unfortunately had extensive issues with - i.e. hyperpigmentation from spots etc, skinful TO vit C has been amazing on my purple/brown marks. It's better on any newer scars that haven't had any sun exposure, but even the old ones have faded so much and so much easier to obliterate with a touch of concealer. They do seem to have plateaued now though. The new ones never get a chance nowasi start using it towards the end of the spot healing process.
wilting another one who's face looks very different now that inflammation has settled down Grin

JDSTER · 02/02/2017 12:54

Thanks for link to H&F. I haven't watched her before. TO suggest themselves that their vit c can be incorporated into a moisturiser if it's too stingy.

Anyway, I've just received cosrx BHA blackhead power liquid. I trialled it after Aurora kindly sent a decant of. I've been more impressed with this than PC for clearing sfs on nose so gone on to purchase. Looking at the ingredients it has niacinamide in it. I always use BHA at night followed by TO vit. Do I now need to change my routine?

My current routine which I've adapted based on recommendations on here
(Early 40s combination skin -oily t zone, normal cheeks, visible pores)

am- NIOD Sanskrit saponins to cleanse. Followed by TO niacinamide then buffet. Moisturise with LRP toleriane (the one to be discontinued) then biore watery spf or Clinique super city block spf 40 (already had this).

Pm- BS camomile cleansing butter or Superdrug vit e hot cloth cleanser (surprisingly I really like this) followed by second cleanse of LRP toleriane dermo cleanser. BHA which has been sample of cosrx, followed by TO vitC, then NIOD multi molecular HA then clarins lotus oil a bit later. I have to be careful just to pat in the HA and oil as it feels like they are going to 'pill' after the vit C

So a couple of questions- I'm not sure if using vit c in the morning will affect everything else in routine including makeup. Anyone else using it in the morning?

I'm hoping to add a retinol once we get to spring so where would that slot in at night please? Is it ok to still use BHA first when starting out with retinol? I think Dr Sam said using niacin is good to use at the same time as retinol which would work I suppose if I need to switch routine around.

I'm also wanting a moisturiser for night time use as I don't always want to use the clarins oil. I don't find the LRP moisturising at night. Any suggestions? I would like an evening moisturiser that smells nice. I don't mean highly fragranced just something pleaseant. I'm happy with functional in the morning but I do like something a bit more appealing to the senses at night iyswim Smile

Thanks

wiltingfast · 02/02/2017 13:25

Sorry Bo, meant The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors. Did you buy the galactomyce product you were considering in the end? I fell off the last thread a bit Blush

Yeah yongian , I find myself constantly stroking my new slim nostrils Grin

Can anyone recommend a oil wash for reactive combination skin? I have Una Brennan's vit C which is lovely, but I react to it if I use it more than twice a week Shock

I don't need it, would just like some variety Grin

Dulcimena · 02/02/2017 13:57

I've been meaning to ask about galactomyces please. I've been using the Benton fermentation essence but haven't noticed it being mentioned on here in the galactomyces chats, just wondered if there was anything wrong with it? It feels very slippery and definitely adds an extra moisture layer, but not sure if it's doing anything else.

yongnian · 02/02/2017 14:28

dulci I've been meaning to ask, when you had your retin-a/retinol reaction, I don't suppose you had any vitiligo type patches develop afterwards? I think I've got one in my hairline where the reaction was worst...don't think I had it before..it's very small...but very definitely there...
Can't be of help re the galactomytes sorry, I only vaguely remember bo saying it was space dust or something but I may well be making that up

hollinhurst84 · 02/02/2017 15:52

dulci - I would love to try the A acid. Do you want some PayPal for it?

EnidButton · 02/02/2017 16:29

Fizzy I wash my hair 2-3 times a week so have washed it once since first using the colorphlex and it still felt softer. Not as smooth as after the first wash but I expected it to completely wash out so I'm still impressed with it.

Shestood If you get marks left behind from spots then definitely give the cicaplast another try. Sorry I told you to stop. Turns out you were right. I use it dabbed on after a spot has 'finished' (Envy sorry) and it's really clearing up the dry bit and the red/purple marks. Asked DH to pick some more up yesterday and he came back with two huge tubes so I'm stocked up. Smile

Talking of YouTube up thread, which channels do you all watch or recommend? Skin care or beauty/make up ones. I've grown out of Fleur and the like, too much advertising. I like A model recommends still.

Dulcimena · 02/02/2017 17:34

yong ...no, but I do have a few weird hyperpigmentation patches on my back, but they existed pre-retin-a. I do wonder if perhaps there can be a general tendency to skin issues - I have morphea (the pigmentation), a tendency to seb derm, other randoms like KP, melasma (but no kids), etc. It occurred to me when my GP commented ages ago that both my dad and I only saw her about skin problems. But no vitiligo, either before or after retin-a. Have you mentioned it to your GP/derm?

Hollin No, I'm just happy to declutter. PM your address and I'll post it tomorrow.

hollinhurst84 · 02/02/2017 18:01

PM sent

Pupsiecola · 02/02/2017 18:25

I have just bought The Sisley. My first ever concealer. I'm having a portrait shoot tmrw for a new business and to update LinkedIn etc. OMG it's fantastic.

mintmagnummm · 02/02/2017 19:12

Right can any of you please recommend something to put on ends of my hair before drying/straightening to stop it looking like worzel gummage! (Don't even know if I've spelt that right lol)

vaz119 · 02/02/2017 19:33

Both... Thanks again... I'm away to do a TO order, look into the spfs properly and look into the snail slimes (never thought I'd be saying that 😂)

I can get some blocked pores that are like wee bumps under the skin especially on my chin. The acid definately helps to clear that up and prevent them from going into full blown spots (most of the time)

You lot have also got me lemming that bloody expensive concealer! 😆

AuroraPolaris · 02/02/2017 20:36

Re Benton - the Snail/ Bee is a bit gel-like, so a bit thicker than TO serums like a Matryxil or Sub Q.
Dulci though I'm very curious about the fermentation essence I haven't tried it yet and I think neither has bo, so we will have to rely on you for a full report Wink

Wilting which kind of product are you looking for exactly? A cleanser? First or second cleanse? Price range?

Pupsie isn't it amazing!?!? I'm still wowed after I put it on. It truly afecta ones whole complexion. Which shade did you get? And where is my free vagina blush bo?
Have fun at the foto shoot!

Don't have time to catch up properly today...

botemp · 02/02/2017 20:51

I really need to start buying some Sisley stock.

Can I just have a moan since one of my ovarian cysts has decided to burst on me which equals hours of agony if I'm lucky. I just had to pay €15 import taxes on a €25 order from iHerb Shock. The taxes were only a euro and a bit, the rest were administrative costs for the postal company. Angry

JDSTER, I use the Vit C in the morning and then usually very little product over it, a HA Lotion (Japanese) or TO Matrixyl then moisturiser, leave it for a bit then SPF, leave it for a bit then THE concealer.

Retinol I'd do 3x a week alternating with Nia/Vit C (whichever you plan on moving to the PM). You can layer the Nia over it, I'd leave the Buffet out then, either/or.

I'm no good with nightime moisturisers that smell with fragrance. You might like an Asian sleeping pack though for a change and added bouncy comfort.

wilting, I think someone on here used it and was a little tepid about it. It looks too siliconey for my tastes iirc.

Sorry, no haven't ordered the MF Niacin yet, am too concerned I won't be able to finish it in the allotted 6 months and when I did the calculations I basically have to send off samples to about 5 people and the postage + packaging on that to various people in the UK would be more than the cost of the product which is taking my evangelism of spreading decants a bit far. Am torn at the moment between buying the travel set or the set of samples. If I get the later I'll send you a baby bottle. I'll keep you posted.

Oil cleansers I like, Muji Sensitive Skin Cleansing Oil is probably my allround fave. Functional, affordable but has to be ordered in from Japan. Then it's the DHC which is on offer now if you're in the UK, see the Sunday Supplement. I also love the Shu Uemura Sublim8 one but it's too pricey. I have been looking at this one on EPP because it's cheap and potentially non-irritating for most.

Ooh galactomyces ^^. They were my gateway AB drug, my skin responds to it really well, but for others it does nothing. It's basically a fermented yeast product that allows for densely packed nutrients in the lightest of (watery) formulation. Reason I don't really refer to Benton as a galacto product is since it's usually First Essences (so before serums after cleansers and acids) and they contain about 97% galactomyces (or in that range) and little else.

The Benton is definitely a hydrator and it includes some key anti-inflammatory ingredients, so whilst not completely transformative it is a good support player.

I don't watch much skincare on YouTube, Enid. I got tired of CH's complaints about tiredness and the entire week's focus on going to a supermarket to persist with that. I go back and forth with being annoyed with AMR, she's sometimes a bit too blase about quite expensive products, as if it's the most normal thing in the world that they just magically appear in your house, which in her case it is but that's not the average experience.

I feel a bit too far removed from H&F age wise, though I sometimes tune in. I watch Gothamista for the AB stuff (she recently featured the Manyo Bifida in her Nighttime Skincare Video, Aurora, she liked it a lot) but even if you have no interest in AB she has some very good basic informative videos on acids, oils, etc. Recently started watching The Fox And The Snail too for AB (they just started their channel, mostly were on instagram) but it's two people chatting together it's kind of nice in a way.

Another I watch incidentally is Nadine Baggott, I can't really warm to her but that's just a personal thing I guess, she does know her stuff mostly, especially for a beauty editor (less fluff more on the serious side when it comes to skincare) and is very informative on cosmetic procedures like fillers, botox, laser, etc. It's just very obvious the YT channel is a commercial venture and I think she was the beauty editor at large for the Daily Fail for forever so as long as you get over that she is a decent resource.

Trinny for the sheer entertainment value, I have to ignore her inaccuracies and complete wild abandon to skincare in the process. Lisa Eldridge and Monika Blunder for makeup. And Dr. Sam obvs.

And gross pimple popping and extractions videos Blush

There's definitely genetic predispositions, Asians are more likely to have melanin inhibition issues and a compromised moisture barrier (dehydration is less to do with age and more with genetics) but they tend to have fewer issues with sagging and wrinkles. Pale Northern Europeans have thinner skin and tend to be more sensitive. I also think those of a sensitive or atopic disposition tend to have several added skin complications as par for the course.

Potion9, mint/jo? Grin

vaz, I think it makes more sense for you to get one good exfoliating AHA that you can use a few times a week in the PM rather than the so-so ones you use on the daily now and then the super strength incidentally. BR P50...

Pupsie, were you at least a good girl and went to try out the different colours in the shop before pulling the trigger Halo

OMG, Aurora, there's a new emohi Gin Grin Gin Grin Gin Grin

Yes, where is our free Sisley stuff, on another thread someone got free clothes!

OP posts:
hollinhurst84 · 02/02/2017 20:54

Bo - should I mention I'm having an old abscess stitched up tomorrow then? Wink

Sleeping packs... I have innisfree red wine one which smells quite nice and Mamonde rose and honey too

botemp · 02/02/2017 21:01

No, that for whatever reason I find gross but not fascinating and definitely don't want to see Grin.

OP posts:
botemp · 02/02/2017 21:03

The Naruko Magnolia Night Gelly also smelled nice (though unfragranced, just natural perfume of some ingredients) iirc, delicately floral but not overpowering, right, Aurora?

OP posts:
hollinhurst84 · 02/02/2017 21:03

Tbh I don't want to see it either I'm all "it's been open for months, can we stitch the damn thing up now please!"
On another note, soap and glory peaches and clean cleanser. My skin sees to like it weirdly

AuroraPolaris · 02/02/2017 21:07

GinGinGinGinGinGinGinGinGinGinGin

user1471503992 · 02/02/2017 21:16

I want to see the extraction video, please! (Shameless!)

AuroraPolaris · 02/02/2017 21:17

So cute!!! What is it anyway? Beer, gin? Jenever?

Poor bo Sad hope you don't suffer too much! Do you have to see doctors tomorrow?

Yeah all things Narüko are pretty amazing! And the night gely is pure heaven in a little gray pot Grin
We really should try more Narüko stuff, bo...
Will have a look at that vid about the MF fermentation. Very curious.
I haven't opened the eye cream yet as I still gave some of the Mizon. It's staring at me from my skincare shelf. You are still welcome to the galactomites sample.

I watched the H&F vid. If I put that much by accident it also really burns. I put much less and just pat, then wait a bit. Seems to be working at the moment. Funny, I've never noticed any shiny residue after applying.

user1471503992 · 02/02/2017 21:24

I'm interested in the roseacea discussions. If you flush extremely easily, especially with red wine but any alcohol really, exercise, cold weather, being too hot, eating spicy food, it is a sign you could have rosacea? No rash or bumps but a google of dry rosacea showed a stage 1 person with red apples of cheeks and nose and chin - I'm more lower cheeks and nose though. Is there any online resource you recommend to find out? Most seem to be aimed at the more serious conditions. Thanks!

botemp · 02/02/2017 21:28

Naruko should send us free stuff!!!

It's gin I believe, don't know why MN is so obsessed with gin.

Oh maybe Wilting can have the sample since I promised her some and then flaked on buying it Blush.

The Vit C actually gives a nice soft glow but then I don't use it in such high amounts either.

I'll be okay, I'm used to it happening once a year and don't need to see a doctor for it. I have a hot water bottle positioned just so and if I don't make a weird move I should be fine and the worst of it has passed now so hopefully will have a decent sleep tonight.

OP posts:
Pupsiecola · 02/02/2017 21:29

It really is aurora. I tried a Bare Minerals one first and did not like it at all. I came home, then drove 20 minutes each way to my local city to John Lewis. Wow. I love it. I can totally see what people mean when they say a good concealer almost negates the need for foundation/tinted moisturiser.

If I did want to put some tinted moisturiser on, would I put it on after?

I got shade 2. What you guys got?

EnidButton · 02/02/2017 21:31

Can I just have a moan since one of my ovarian cysts has decided to burst on me which equals hours of agony

😫😖 Moan away. That fecking hurts!!