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Fantastic Skincare - Snail Optional 🐌

999 replies

botemp · 10/03/2017 16:06

Thread 1 Thread 2 Thread 3 Thread 4 Thread 5

For those who are taking a peek and wondering whether previous threads are worth reading, we mostly discuss a bit of advanced skincare here with a perspective of seeking out the right ingredients for our particular skin 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 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 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.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
42
hollinhurst84 · 16/03/2017 23:09

Noticed Burts Bees were offering a free cleansing oil via Facebook so have signed up for that!

Pupsiecola · 16/03/2017 23:22

I'm using the P50W about once to twice per week. It's hard to know what difference it is making. I had a spot a few weeks back and I think it helped with that. I'm not convinced it's amazing. My skin looks good, but i don't know how much of it is the P50W. The Vit C makes a big difference though.

I don't think I'm massively intuitive about my skin in terms of noticing big differences!!

Pupsiecola · 16/03/2017 23:47

Ooh. Just watched CH's video on the new Clinique Vit C. Interesting...

EnidButton · 17/03/2017 02:17

I'm not sure about the p50w either tbh. Still considering buying done to try longer term but I didn't get any really noticeable effects. I think a longer use might show something.

EnidButton · 17/03/2017 02:21

Hello again shestood

Hotel rooms are terrible for mirrors. I've been in some which have amazing lighting and space in the bathroom but no plug. Or ones which have dull lighting everywhere, thick voiles over the windows and a mirror miles away from any natural light. I end up propping a travel mirror up near the window and pinning big the curtains back. It's awkward. I wonder if more men design hotel room layouts than women?

WanderingNotLost · 17/03/2017 03:05

Hi ladies, I hope you can help me! I've answered the questions from the op, let me know if there's anything else you need to know Grin thanks!

Skin type: dry, sensitive, get random spots in t-zone which can be oily

Approx age (range): early 30s

Primary skin concern: patchy dryness, uneven skin tone, fine lines on forehead & round eyes

Routine :

AM : No. 7 protect & perfect serum & day cream, make up is benefit porefessional primer and Estée Lauder double wear foundation

PM : remove make-up w/ Nivea face wipes for dry skin, cleanse w/ Garnier oil-infused micellar water for dry & sensitive skin, then garnier pure active exfoliating scrub on my nose & chin followed by Kiehl's cucumber toner. Then No. 7 p&p serum & night cream. Use clean & clear advantage gel on spots.

Makeup : medium coverage

Occasional treatments: never had one

Things I've tried in the past with disastrous results: Bioré charcoal cleanser & pore minimiser. Brought me out in hives, face was blotchy and sore, neck went all bumpy, took well over a week to recover

Things that are really working well for me now: the garnier micellar water- bought after the Bioré incident!

Any dietary/health concerns/pregnant: nope

What I'm willing to spend on a single skincare item: probably £20-£50, more for something really special if it's long-lasting

I specifically [want help with/am looking for a product to/am curious about trying]: something to even out tone & soften my skin, zap the breakouts! Am curious about retinol, hyaluronic & salicylic acid. Also keen on trying Korean products especially sheet masks. Not squeamish about funky ingredients. Also thinking of trying mario badescu products for spots, and might give No. 7 cleaner & toner a go.

Dulcimena · 17/03/2017 11:03

Interesting, that's almost exactly my feeling about it too, Pupsie. Agree that Vitamin c seems to make a visible difference. I'm using TO one still although due for a repurchase. Aside from the Drunk Elephant, has anyone found a fab Vit C product they'd recommend?

Pupsiecola · 17/03/2017 11:53

This is of interest re Vit C:-

From 2:40 in.

Where is bo? Are you okay?!

EnidButton · 17/03/2017 12:00

Just searching for Caroline H and vitamin C and see that she posted about a vit C supplement, in 2016, that she really liked. I'm sure she's said in the past that she avoids vit C as it can cause breakouts for her. Was surprised she didn't mention that in the review.

Shop · 17/03/2017 12:32

I had the Facetheory Vit C on preorder but had an email a few days ago cancelling as they've had a delay so I'm getting a refund but disappointed as I was looking forward to trying it.
I had a 8ml sample of the Hero Project vit c, which I've used twice now and like but no idea if it's considered good, it's 30% Ethylated Ascorbic Acid

Dulcimena · 17/03/2017 13:00

Thanks Pupsie the Clinique does look interesting. Rather more ££ than TO though, I wonder if it's proportionately better?

Enid lol, why doesn't that surprise me Wink

Shop Ty, I'll look up those ones too. Hero Project's a new one for me, thanks!

EnidButton · 17/03/2017 13:01

Does anyone use Armani Power Fabric foundation? Seen it raved about and can't get to a counter anytime soon. Wondering whether to risk it by looking at swatches. I'd be either shade 1 or 3 I think.

OpenMindedSceptic · 17/03/2017 13:09

My P50w from Skin City has arrived today! Will try it this weekend!

hollinhurst84 · 17/03/2017 13:47

Enid - I have been eyeing that up too! I'm thinking I would be shade 1

EnidButton · 17/03/2017 14:54

I'm 008 in the new Lancôme teint idole. Is that your shade?

hollinhurst84 · 17/03/2017 15:53

Yes :)

StainlessSteelButtercup · 17/03/2017 17:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

StainlessSteelButtercup · 17/03/2017 17:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Pupsiecola · 17/03/2017 19:26

Stainless i will most likely stick with TO Vit C. Although I'm interested to have sth to compare it with?

Dulcimena · 17/03/2017 20:53

Stainless you don't have to give up everything else to use P50W. The rec is to not use other actives in the same session (so eg you could use Vit C in the am and P50W in the pm), and I don't think anyone on this thread is using P50W every day anyway - so using it 2-3 evenings p/wk you could still use whatever else active for the 4-5 eves and 7 mornings. I have used P50W on the same evening as TO Retinol though and my face didn't fall off.

However, all that said, P50W is expensive and it hasn't rocked my world, so I'm not really recommending it.

2babas2cats · 18/03/2017 06:59

Hi hoping you can help! Been reading back for some info but I see some people Roth slightly different skin issues so wasn't sure how best to combine the advice.

Skin type:*
Oily tzone, open pores, hormonal breakouts, blackheads, first signs of aging in eyes and smile lines
Approx age (range):*
30-35
Primary skin concern:*
Oily, blackheads and aging
Routine :*

AM :*
Garnier mattifying face wash
Efflacar micro-exfoliant
Either No7 pore serum followed by No7 moisturiser for oily skin or simple light moisturiser
PM :*
Garnier micellar face wash
Garnier micellar water or simple cleanser
Efflacar micro-exfoliant
Yes to grapefruits pore lotion
Simple or No7 moisturiser for oily skin (night version)

Makeup : eg. no/light coverage/medium coverage/heavy coverage
Switch between Estée Lauder double wear and bareminerals. Do prefer how bareminerals feels compared to DW and feel DW clogs my skin
Occasional treatments:*
Glam glow mud 1 or 2 times a week
Booked microdermabrasion for next month
Skin peel last year had no real effect
Things I've tried in the past with disastrous results:*

Things that are really working well for me now:*
Nothing! Skin is oily as ever and tonnes of blackheads!
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'll spend for the right products
I specifically [want help with/am looking for a product to/am curious about trying]:*
I need a straightforward regime with 2 kids aged 3 and 1 and a half.
Interested in PC 2% BHA lotion (waiting for samples to arrive),
Interested in products that will help with aging as well as oily skin issues.

Thank you!

botemp · 18/03/2017 09:49

I'm still here just busy, tend to be busy from now until mid-July traditionally and this past week were our national elections that ate up more of my time than I'd like on top of that.

Welcome, MaryLennoxsScowl, WanderingNotLost, and 2babas2cats. I'm running behind on things on this thread so I'll get to you as soon as I'm able.

Before I forget, Enid, did you ever source the B5 toner as I've found another that actual sounds like a better fit (from memory) from Neutral (same brand that does the hypoallergenic washing powders and cleaning products) but I'm not sure on the availability in the UK. They have a toner with Panthenol high up in the INCI that's also hydrating with the help of glycerin and allantoin. Their face wash is also pretty good and similar to the Decubal one I mentioned eons ago for anyone interested (think they may be the same as they're both from Denmark), it's a hydrating non-stripping face wash that's very suitable for allergic skin and has a bit of niacinamide in it too. It's one of those foams that's manually created rather than by an irritating surfactant.

Neutral Skin Tonic INCI: Aqua, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Allantoin, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Sodium Gluconate, Citric Acid

Shock Dulci! Don't you know whenever anyone speaks disparaging of P50 a little skincare nerd angel dies Wink! It's a bit horses for courses, as with any skincare product. I wouldn't want to be without it anymore as it keeps my skin balanced, texture and tone very even, and keeps the dry patches away, also can't remember the last time I had a spot since starting to use it (full disclosure: only had them very rarely) and when I did it disappeared quicker than anything else I ever used. I definitely notice when it's no longer in my routine which is the best litmus test for these type of things I suppose.

WRT to Vit C alternatives, and the Clinique one. About Clinique I can be brief: low %, silicone suspension (stable but it sort of makes the gimmick with the dispensing system superfluous), high price for a limited supply (it's coming up as €28 for a 7(!) day supply here, a giant tub of L-AA powder is only about €10 and would last you months). Had it been a water-based serum with a novelty dispensing system then I could see the point but since they're using a silicone base they could have just made it without all the faff. TsnMummy08, were you the one that was using the Skin Actives/Active Formulas one? That's still on my list of interest and is similarly priced to TO but similar to SkinCeuticals in formulation. Wondering if you were still getting on well with it?

Also came across this easy DIY recipe for Vit C (will be making it for body purposes) that makes a short supply (a week or thereabouts) without needing to invest too much initially.

TsnMummy08, I sometimes mention the Eucerin UltraSensitive as an alternative to LRP Toleriane Fluid but beyond that I'm not too familiar with the Eucerin range as most contain fragrance.

californiaburrito, wrt SPF suggestions for someone with normal/dry skin, preferring a lighter formulation, Biore is probably not the best choice. You can have a look at Bioderma's Photoderm Ultra-Fluid (similar to Anthelios but with less irritation supposedly), Darphin's new Intral SPF, the Shiseido Senka Mineral Water UV Essence SPF50+ (but see below for drawbacks) or similar from Japan. However, if you're truly sensitive (to chemical sunscreens) it may be easier to seek out a mineral one instead.

Speaking of the Senka as asked about upthread by wellhellothere1, it's the one I've been testing recently after questions on here and is Bo approved Smile. There are a few things to consider, it contains avobenzone which is unstable on its own (releasing free radicals when broken down by the sun) but not when well formulated with other sunscreen filters. More crucially with avobenzone, it's not to be used on children. Nothing to truly concern yourselves over (many EU sunscreens and makeup products contain it too) but just don't use on DC. Also, the Senka is not water/sweat resistant so really only of interest outside of summer.

On to Biore: just to correct JDSTER slightly to avoid misconceptions, the new formulation is not waterproof, it's water resistant. Meaning a bit of sweat or a light drizzle won't impact the integrity of the protection but it remains a 'commuter' sunscreen that won't serve you well at the beach or similar.

Initial reviews I've seen say there's a slightly noticeable difference between the formulas but not enough to truly impact wearability. mifffy2, as far as I'm aware the 90g version was a limited edition and isn't available in the new formula (yet). Amazon.co.jp sells the Biore 2017 version with their global shipping program but the relatively high shipping costs (think it was in the €13 region for me for an order under 1kg, possibly drops to €10 for under 500g, was here within 3-4 days though) means it's only worth pursuing if you buy several items (once you figure out what is and isn't available through the global shipping program). They automatically remove local (Japanese) taxes and add UK/EU ones if you go over the threshold (think it's £20 in the UK) so it's a bit of a calculating exercise. ebay (Japanese sellers) or the UK amazon are usually easier, there's a few shops that sell it but usually at around $18.

OP posts:
Dulcimena · 18/03/2017 10:55

G;lad ypou're doing ok Bo, if very busy atm. Take care of yourself.

Lol re P50W slander Wink - absolutely agree that it's horses for courses and I know a lot of people love it, for my skin I'm just not convinced. But that's not to say it's a bad product, of course.

Ty for the Clinique Vit C assessment, I could not find the ingredients anywhere so highlighting the silicone base is hugely helpful. I was a bit suspicious about the % and the base so it's good to have that info (where did you find it??). Wholly agree re the price too. You know, I've thought about DIYing something before but a bit nervous I'll get it all wrong not to mention quite lazy. Guess I shall stick with TO for now, until the price of Drunk Elephant drops dramatically. Hope springs eternal... All best.

mintmagnummm · 18/03/2017 12:07

Thanks bo much appreciated, I will check it out

miffy2 · 18/03/2017 12:34

Thanks, botemp. I found a regular sized 2017 version on ebay so I snapped that up. I am loving the Body Shop spf50, have to say, along with the Bioderma you recommended.
Wow, the Clinique Vitamin C range is a bit of an expensive palaver! I will stick to my LRP Redermic C and then try the oil-based version from TO, perhaps.