Fantastic Skincare: Skin (almost) sorted- decent fucking summer fucking clothes would be fucking nice. Don't ask us about our hair 🐌

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I am very slowly working on consolidating the gathered information from previous threads into easier to read formats but it’s slow going. If you wish join us on this thread I would suggest reading thread 1 and at the very least the following info sheets (provided they apply to you):

Where to Start

Basics of an Actives Routine

Skin Types vs. Skin Conditions Info Sheet

Anti-Ageing Info sheet

Adult Acne Info Sheet

For those who are taking a peek and wondering what this all about, we mostly discuss a bit of advanced skincare here with a perspective of seeking out the right ingredients (rather than the latest new shiny product and all its empty promises) 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. Newcomers are always welcome but please note the following:

Questions and asking for help on this thread is encouraged, however, we can’t give you a specific routine to follow and hope it works out for the best. There are no overnight miracles in skincare whether it be in the form of products or techniques. It’s about perseverance, understanding your skin, assessing its needs and responding to that in a diligent manner.

These threads were created to help those who want to learn for themselves. We’re a group of interested and invested skincare nuts happy to offer tea and sympathy and dole out advice. Everyone’s journey with skincare is different, what is universal and binds us is that through actually learning about the different active ingredients it helps us get to know our skin and help us adapt as it will change many times throughout our lives - with seasons, hormonal changes, ageing, genetics etc. It's in everyone's best interests to get to know their skin and to keep reviewing those changes with the confidence that comes from the gathered knowledge here. We really encourage you to spend the time reading through previous threads and linked info sheets that the many contributors have taken the trouble to share.

By no means are we experts, we're only a bunch of amateurs that can only respond by suggesting what we would do in your place, for any severe conditions please seek out professional help.

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If you pose a question and we need more contextual information to answer properly we may ask you to fill in the following form. Please only use this form when asked, unsolicited forms will be deleted. Responses to the form can be found here

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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.

MAY/JUNE 2017: It’s summer and some of us are hourglasses (and otherwise beautifully shaped) that desperately need to bitch and moan about the severe lack of clothes available to us. Also, some of us are recovering from a ‘fine’ butchering to our hair. Don’t ask. Some of us suffer from all of the above. At least the weather is good, wear sunscreen.

Matalan, long tall sally or tall girls for vests. Primark often have longer ones too

Do any of you know a good body spf that's suitable for abroad (water resistant etc) that's not all greasy!? Been using a garnier dry touch spray which is great for not being greasy but I have burned despite applying loads! (I'm in Portugal at mo) need to get a different one for my next holiday

Oh and has anyone tried the eucerin mattifying spf 50 and the lrp ultra light fluid for comparison??

My new washer dryer is fixed! It was a factory fault (annoying but at least there's no way they can blame us). Wahey! (My kitchen is not tiny but very badly designed & fitted, so having the washer standing in the middle basically made it completely unusable.)

I tried the TO Vit C 23% for the first time this morning, it didn't seem particularly gritty to me. Slightly tingly but nothing terrible. And I didn't get any noticeable pilling either - I think tomorrow I'll be a bit less careful when I apply it & see what happens. So far on texture I prefer it over the MAP.

I'm trying to limit myself to having only one skincare package on order at once. The problem is, stuff can take ages to arrive from Japan. Bo - I'd definitely appreciate a heads-up when that mega-size SPF for body use comes back into stock, thanks (I didn't sign up for the email - my auto translate won't do emails which is a shame as I bet the EPP & SkinCity emails have got offers etc on them).

Eucalyptus oil does not sound like something that's good for skin! I'm allergic to pine and rosemary oils so maybe that was the culprit. I wasn't into reading ingredients then, just fell for the whole 'natural' image they have and the rave reviews. Maybe the testers in the thread all have Caroline H type tough skin.

I've found some t-shirts I like! From Hush. 100% cotton. Nice fit. Good for casual. Struggling with bottom half. I seem to have bloated up the past couple of weeks. Don't need to lose weight but I look like a Walrus when I sit down. I'll just stay stood up or lie down for the rest of the Summer. Problem solved.

Belly area is bloated I mean. Does that happen in hot weather?

Yes it does! Dehydration and slow lymphatic drainage causes water retention. Have have lymph problems and dehydration normally. Plus the heat = Walrus.

dulci getting rid of pores you say? Hmm poss not ditch just yet then....
tree new look do good long line tanks, lots of colours good wide straps, nice shape neck, wash amazing ply (unlike a lot of their stuff which washes crap) and v cheap.
enid bloated walrus here too, sympathies.

Does anyone use an eye cream? Is it worth using? I'm not and i don't really know how much difference one would make but I am tempted.

MAY EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

EMPTIES:
Paula's choice AHA- I use it on alternate days but not buying again yet as trying something different first.
TO vit c- already have 2nd bottle and really like how my skin is since using it.
Biore watery essence spf50- have another bottle and something different to try
Aldis argon oil face cream- wouldn't buy again
Aldis midnight face cream- fantastic stuff paided double the price for another one on Ebay
PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:
TO Argireline- I'm liking it and my husband says it's definitely helping my frown lines
Another aldi face cream, pink tub and a lot nicer than the argon oil
PLANNED PURCHASES:
I have a few Japanese face washes coming to try

SPECIAL MENTION:
The TO Argireline

Afternoon all and thank you for the new thread Bo loving the title

I've been away for a few days so a bit out of routine as only took the bare essentials with me, I was rigid on cleansing and SPF though and skin seems none the worse apart from some mosquito bites (and I didn't even leave the UK!)

MAY EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

EMPTIES
TO retinoid 2% - been using for a few months, noticed a slight improvement initially but nothing much since so I'm ditching in favour of TO 1% retinol.
TO az acid (thought it was empty last month but cut the tube open & not even quite empty yet). Didn't seem to do much so I'm going to ditch as want to scale back on actives whilst using 1% ret
TO SA - think this has definitely helped with oiliness and I've had very few spots or whiteheads since using it but it hasn't done much for open pores and SF. Am cutting SA for now whilst introducing the ret, will probably re-introduce at some point but may try a different brand such as CorsX

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:
TO natural moisturising factors + HA - ok, I don't love it but seems to do it's job as a fairly innocuous moisturiser
LRP redermic R eye - not noticed any difference yet but only used for a couple of weeks so early days. It's not irritating and works well under makeup so I'll carry on.
LRP cicaplast hand cream - ok but not as good as I hoped
TO ret 1% - only used once, no stinging, irritation or peeling as yet
Bioderma nude touch tinted SPF - love it and acts as a foundation too, very matt so ideal for my oily skin and the doré shade is a really good match for me.
Bioderma SPF 30 spray for face - really like it for over makeup, more like a water spritz, not greasy or heavy & no issues with the nozzle
LRP serozinc - ok, not entirely sure when I should be using it, so far I've used it after actives/before moisturiser but not sure if I'm getting the full benefit. But if I use before actives will that reduce their efficacy? Suggestions welcome

PLANNED PURCHASES:
nothing right now, want to see how I get on with ret 1% before adding anything else

SPECIAL MENTION:
bioderma nude touch tinted SPF - already re-ordered and is very reasonably priced on Easyparapharmacie

Just coming back to say that Liz Earle C&P stung the bejeesus out of my skin and left it itchy (no rash luckily) & I do have the tough CH type of skin!

ilovetocook I do use an eye cream but I'm late 40s and my eyes are starting to get wrinkly so think it's necessary for me - though I've yet to find a truly great one. If you're younger with no issues then you may not need one.

I have two hard spots on the left side of my face. One on cheek, one on jaw next to chin. They're unusual ones for me and don't know why they've appeared other than I'm due on in a week but that doesn't explain why they're different. Annoys me not knowing the cause.

Nothing to do but slap a bit of savlon on and hope they go down a bit. It's relentless.

I have spots too! One on chin and a few on neck, I think it's that time of the month for me though but still doesn't make it any easier to deal with
Also my eyes have been watering terribly for days now and as a result the corners are red raw and very sore!

I dont use an eye cream because I use face cream and it's just skin after all... I don't think it's that different and I don't think it gives me milia using a normal moisturiser near my eyes.

Do you get hay fever Mint? I think grass pollen hay fever starts around now. My sister got it in her 30's after ever having it before. Some over the counter eye drops might help even if it's not that. Just ones for itchy eyes. (Even if they're not itching.)

Eye Cream- I use it but mainly because the skin under my eyes is prone to dryness and it soothes it. Also I like to moisturise around d my eyes before using concealer sobit doesn't crease. I don't think the one I'm using is anti-ageing or does anything other than artificially brighten the area and plump it up with moisture on the surface. I really like it though, I use Kiehl's avocado eye cream.

*after never having it.

(I swear the auto correct on my phone is getting worse. It randomly changes words that are correct already.)

Meant to post this before and forgot! Anyone who has issues with itchy scalp, might be worth looking at
I've made sure none of my products have it in, and gone full curly girl method. So I wash only with conditioner, no silicones, no sulphates. Flaky scalp has gone and no itchy head
Even if you use shampoo, I reckon the ingredients list is worth a check because making sure it's in none of my products has had the biggest effect

Enid yes I do suffer from hayfever so thanks for the tip.

Thanks for that list olli

May empties and products on trial plus items due in the post

Empties

LRP Toleraine Fluide - love this moisturiser it's my go to

Redermic R corrective uv spf 30 - really enjoyed using a retinol for the first time although not sure about the fact it has spf so ideally not great for nighttime use imho as I'd like to avoid the cloggines of spf.

Ultrasun face 30 - liking this as it least irritating to my skin

Garnier summer body dark - this gives me an amazing looking tan fairly quickly with no streaks and the shade suits my skin tone. It makes wearing summer clothes more bearable.

Murad clarifying cleanser - I like this and have already repurchased.

Radial dragons blood hyaluronic tonic - love this as a spritz between serum and moisturiser or on its own.

Hylamide subW anti age advanced serum - finally finished this after months. Liked it at first but not any more. Decided it's too sticky and possibly giving me red bumps.

Radial super acids x-Terme acid peel rush - love this stuff my face looks visibly younger after use.

REN evercalm global Protection day cream - did nothing for me, irritated my skin slightly, redness.

Lancôme genifique advanced serum - really like this but not wanting to spend £££ on it

Ren rosa cleansing gel - really like this for a mild cleanser

Products on trial

Murad essential C Cleanser - love this face looks visibly brighter after use

Neutrogena hydroboost Cleanser - nice mild Cleanser

Neutrogena hydro boost water gel - I'm liking this now the weather is warmer.

Neutrogena hydro boost water gel - using this as a night cream when not using LG

Clinique take the day off - my favourite Balm Cleanser by far.

Emma Hardie moringa Balm Cleanser - been trialling this for months, and it definitely gives me spots around the jawline otherwise it's nice to use.

Liz Earle cleanse and polish - does feel a bit zingy otherwise ok, won't repurchase

Liz Earle instant boost skin tonic - gave me a rash

Ren radiance perfection serum not wowed by this.

Waiting to turn up to try

The Ordinary lactic acid

TO Vit C

TO retinol

TO nia

*hylamide,subQ

*extreme

My keyboard got stuck so couldn't edit above post and didn't want to lose what I'd typed already.

Clinique ttdo should be in empties.

Shampoo I use if anyone interested in Alberto bahlsam Apple

May empties

Forgot to add

Clinique all about eyes rich - really like this although not entirely sure I need a separate eye cream. We'll see how much I miss it before any repurchase.

FFS it's Rodial not radia, bloody predictive text and mind of its own keyboard.

After just reading back a bit I realise I should really apologise or give you all the go ahead to tell me to shut up already about my moaning about clothes all being too big and boxy. I suppose that it might be grating when you're at the other end of it. I'm aware, just not so much when in ranting mode, sorry.

yong, the Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion was silicone free but the idiots at Clinque discontinued it. The 2% BHA liquid from PC is silicone free but I think originally there were concerns about it being too much for you? The CosRX is also cone free IIRC and generally considered to be mild.

I'm actually half convinced that Liz Earle and probably the N+F Glycolic Fix Pads and Liquid Gold stand as the original culprit for a lot of people on a path to compromised/damaged skin. Never tried it but am also really surprised about the positive feedback, especially since horrible reactions to the product are on the extreme side for a rinse off product.

otyt, hacked?! Is it just bad password protection then, or is there actual genuine concern surrounding WP? Sigh, I forget how young you are, I remember the internet when it was all still porn fields, lesbian porn newsgroups, more lesbian porn Yahoo, weird gay stuff usually involving bestiality and IRC chat. In the interest of sharing disturbing browser history, whilst searching for popsicle moulds I came across some really weird shaped ones... took me a while to figure out they were for making frozen popsicle butt plugs. I have officially seen it all now... sensibly decided to make these

Sorry

Neutrogena hydro boost GEL cream is what I'm trialing and using at night.