Tackling the backlog as my time on the pout couch is over still pouting regardless
Pupsie, wrt Poppy Austin Vit C, it's SAP based so only really of interest to acne sufferers really not so much on the anti-ageing/brightening front (though it just lacks the scientific backing for this, assumptions are it acts similar to Vit C in L-AA form but derivatives, in general, are always less effective than the original).
Thanks wilting on the dosage front. Will trawl iherb for some higher dose stuff to use from next month onwards.
Tree I'll be PMing you, remind me again of your kind offer if I forget.
Pupsie wrt using AHAs and other exfoliating acids with higher pH (so in moisturisers, serums, etc. excluding cleansers as they're not leave on products). The higher pH of those products means there is a lower availability of free acids, ergo the effect is significantly slower and less impactful. It may be enough for some and not for others, it's really dependant on skin needs and type. I would say with that Dr. Sam video it's where I diverge a bit from opinion with her as she has more powerful stuff at her disposal when treating someone so the necessity of a separate exfoliator is likely unnecessary due to the prescription strengths, with an all OTC routine that balance is somewhat different.
Cardinal, retinol is a bit of a long haul game but I'd probably look at TO Retinoid 2% as an alternative in the budget section. Otherwise Paula's Choice 1% or SkinCeuticals 1% are worth looking into.
I've looked into that hero project before, it weirdly reminds me of Deciem but I can't figure out if they're part of Indeed or something. It's weird that they're advertising if you like Hydraluron you'll like this product exactly like TO will rec Hylamide and NIOD products... Anyhow, I dismissed it at the time due to the use of essential oils (irritating to some) which I found a bit odd in a brand that presents itself like a 'clinical' line and nearly impossible to find full INCIs on the products.
iknowimcoming , sorry for the delay and lack of other responses but it's difficult to answer your question as you haven't been very specific. I've never used Elemis (only ever sampled) as it's a spa brand that mostly just feels nice rather than does very much for skin health. I can't tell you what to use instead as these are sensorial things which are highly individual. I don't think Avene is comparable, and Liz Earle is a different philosophy, both are brands I don't rec all that often due to various reasons. The Superdrug own brand may be something to look into? General advice, get a daily SPF and read through the sheets in the OP to get a basic understanding.
Ooh I like the new title proposition Pupsie, I was toying with Fantastic Skincare: The Snail Slimes Back after all our Star Wars talk (I probably got the wrong franchise again, forgive me otyt)
Tsnmummy08, interesting on the Dr. Jart. I was looking into the brand as TKMaxx had tonnes of it but still relatively expensive it turned out. I know the Ceramidin liquid is hugely popular, especially with combo-oily skin.
eversions, iirc Laura Mercier had a silicone free foundation, may have been an oil free something or the other. I know one of their primers is silicone free too.
guy, the BS SPF is fine for everyday use but for the summer on hot days where you expect to be sweating quite a bit I'd rely on something else or be really diligent about topping up throughout the day.
Welcome Avocado, yes the Eucerin ultrasensitive is what I've been reccing mostly since the confirmation of LRP Fluide discontinuation news. Although I have heard it's harder to get hold of in the UK recently but it still seems to be easily available here.
Speaking of Fluide, for those with access to frequent USA travellers, for whatever reason the LRP Toleriane Fluide (OG) doesn't appear to be discontinued in the US for now. It's RRP is $30 though 
On the Nia chat, yes I think the newer products that push it into an 'active' standalone product in the 10% range make it problematic. The Olay stuff and all that came before it was always under 5%. The research (primarily done by Olay) was all in the 4-5% range so all the benefits don't suddenly increase at 10% according to the available studies out there currently, whilst it does vastly increase possible problems of sensitivity and irritation. The original 10% product was Paula's Choice booster which was meant to be mixed in so you'd probably end up with a lower % effectively.
Thanks Nabootique, that's interesting. It's kind of how I view the NIOD line as a whole, it's a low inflammation alternative to actives that you either buy into as that philosophy aligns with yours or an inability to tolerate the more common actives. It'll be difficult to truly gauge what works better long temr and I can definitely understand why the NIOD line is such a hard sell with the new-gen science and the distinctively slower approach to skincare.
otyt, that sounds less like a spot and more like a plug, as in excess sebum (unless you have the stomach for it YouTube is not your friend here). Got any BHA around? Remind me of your current routine again, please? As for the Caribbean just lots of good waterproof/resistant sunscreen. It tends to be more humid this time of year IIRC so dehydration may not be as much of an issue. Also, wear shit tonnes of SPF on the plane, and reapply often. UV rays at high altitudes are killer, poor stewardesses and pilots age significantly faster than the rest of us. Something like the Bioderma facial mist would be good as that's hydrating and a bit of SPF protection (emphasis on the bit) but I'm not sure if that would technically qualify as an aerosol, it's not I think, but may be confiscated anyhow?
Making general notes on night cream requests - question why the desire for night creams all of a sudden, is just the time of year and facial oils on top of boring moisturisers are losing appeal or are the boring functional moisturisers for day just too boring and something heavier is indeed needed?
Also have just realised from reading this all back that the thing I once predicted has happened... our cycles are in sync