First time Astral user

[mogratpineapple]

Previously I have used Clarins and Dermalogica but nothing seems to cut the mustard anymore. Thought I'd give Astral a go.

But the reviews on Amazon and suchlike are from people who have used it for 30 years or more and so have their grannies. Not really a fair review imho (although if they're happy who am I to argue?)

What I want to know is, is it any good under make-up and how much do you use - stuff like that.

[BusterGonad]

I really like Astral, it is thick but treat it like you would a body butter and warm it up first so it then goes further and thinner on your face iyswim.

[ElspethFlashman]

I found it uncomfortably thick. I didn't repurchase.

I much prefer Nivea Soft in the big white tub. It sinks in better.

[Pottedplants]

Thanks Laiste.

[Laiste]

I've never tried it myself - considering it now though. Rave reviews!

[Laiste]

potted it was

www.marksandspencer.com/super-grape-day-cream-50ml/p/p22315090

[Pottedplants]

I was hoping to use it as a make up base. I was recently at a makeup counter and the MUA used CT magic cream as the base. I researched online and Astral came up as a dupe. From the posts on this thread, it doesn't seem to be the case but I will check out M&S day cream as they seem to have the same ingredients. Is the M&S cream from the Pure range? I'd prefer to spend 15 pounds instead of seventy on the CT one.

[SleepFreeZone]

I use it and have done for years. I just rub a load of it in at night and then wipe with cotton wool to remove make up. Then in the morning I put it in a cotton pad and wipe my face and neck with it. Job done.

[Meripenopause]

Agree with Lady, lanolin can really help skin if you're not allergic.

[Fozzleyplum]

I bought a pot of Astral yesterday. I used it as a night cream and it seems fine. I think it might be a bit thick to use as a day cream; I use Nivea Soft, which is brilliant, and easily as effective as some of the expensive creams I've used in the past.

[MrsApplepants]

I slather it on my hands and feet, put on cotton socks/ gloves and go to bed. Baby soft in the morning but far too heavy for my face

[bloodyteenagers]

I've been using it for ages. Didn't realise you could still buy it till I saw it. Had to buy it.
It's thick. Because it's thick I don't use loads. Use a bit rub in, bit more rub in until everywhere is covered.
Not sure about under makeup don't really use it.
No spots or anything.

[LadyOfTheCanyon]

Astral is basically a lanolin cream. Cheap as chips, brilliant emollient if it works for you. If you're allergic ( itching/ spots) then move along.
Lanolin is absolutely fantastic for those whose skin can tolerate it.

[mogratpineapple]

Hmm...I guess that being so thick it could block pores and give boily zits. Use with care i suppose.

[VivienneEastwood]

Clogged up my pores +++

[Brillenbar]

I used it as night cream night before last and I am now sporting th most massive pustule of a spot that I can remember having for 20 years. So won't be doing that again no matter how cheap it is

[SashaTaught]

I sometimes use it a bit like the beauty flash balms you can buy.

I know lots of people who love it but I don't get on with it every day.

Its quite similar to original Nivea from what I remember of that.

[Mrs9C]

I use it under make up, but you have to be careful only to use a small amount when using it for that purpose. I'm use it more generously at night and let it soak in, which it does. It never lies on my skin with the need to wash it off. For the price I'm very happy with what it does.

[mogratpineapple]

haha! You're welcome! But let us know how you get on x

[Acornantics]

I used to use it as a teen 25 years ago because my DM did, but haven't used it since.

I'm going to buy some just for the sake of nostalgia, I love the smell and will use it as a night cream. Thanks for the reminder!

[mogratpineapple]

Thanks guys. Yes I'll just try it and see. I'll use it for the whole of March and let you know how I get on!

[toffeeboffin]

It's great but very rich.

Good if you put it on, leave overnight then wash off.

[Pottedplants]

The CT cream price is completely out of my budget. The only time I bought a top end face cream was when I was pregnant. I think it was about sixty pounds. Pregnancy made my skin very blotchy and red not the glowing skin everyone else gets. I used quarter of the pot, didn't notice any difference, hormones calmed down and I passed it on to a friend. I have used Dermaligica for years but it isn't working for me so well anymore. In all honesty, I probably need to invest time more than products into my skincare routine.

[Laiste]

Sorry - £70 for the Charlotte T cream.

[Laiste]

£70 !!

A blogger on reddit says:

The core ingredients of the Charlotte Tilbury cream - up to the first preservative and minus the sunscreen filters - are:

"Water, glyceryl stearate SE [emulsifier/ emollient], butylene glycol [humectant], glycerin [humectant], cetyl alcohol [fatty alcohol/ emollient], C12-15 alkyl benzoate [non greasy occlusive], cyclopentasiloxane [volatile silicone], dimethicone [depositing silicone/ occlusive]."

Apparently very similar to M&S day cream at £14.

[Floisme]

If a product has kept customers happy for 30+ years then that's a selling point for me!

Sadly I can't endorse it myself as it made my face itch so much I had to wash it all off straight away. But then I have sensitive skin. I used it up on my elbows instead so not a disaster. At that price, providing you go carefully the first few times, I don't see what you have to lose?