🐌 Fantastic Skincare: Hot Snails, Summer in the City - Now with added shelf porn!

[botemp]

Thread 1 Thread 2 Thread 3 Thread 4 Thread 5 Thread 6 Thread 7 Thread 8

I am very slowly working on consolidating the gathered information from previous threads into easier to read formats but it’s slow going. In order to make use of the below form and join in 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

NEW ADDITIONS since last thread:

Do I Really Need to Wear Sunscreen Every Single Day of the Year?

Understanding Which Sunscreen(s) to Buy

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.

AUGUST 2017: Sunscreen is pretty much non-negotiable at the moment (not that it’s ever not ), RL bumps have been met in the road for some, unfortunately. Grief sucks but we do our best to offer a bit of comfort even if it is just something as inane as skincare chat . Some of us are lucky enough to be nerding out in French pharmacies whilst pretending to do that holiday thing, the Shelf Porn Off is still on…

I can't believe we're on thread 9

Thank you for the razor burn suggestions. Cicaplast! Of course! It's calmed down now but I will remember for next time, serozinc and then Cicaplast. Keep meaning to look for a pure aloe Vera gel (if there's such a thing?) so adding that to list. As I didn't read this until now, I just sprayed with Avene thermal water which stung a lot so patted it off and put fluffy knee high socks on. The constant pressure on it and no air helped, weirdly.

Really lovely table Pupsie. I like your little round basket.

Yong I've made a note of all those things. I get stinging shins quite often so all advice will be tried out.

Oops, forgot to post what I came on to say. The Lancome Teint Idole camouflage concealer is now out on the UK. Unfortunately the shade range isn't as wide as the newer teint idole foundation and reviews seem to suggest that the shades are darker than their foundation match. I'll have a look at it tomorrow but as 010 seems to be the lightest, I think it might be too dark for me for blemishes. Maybe ok for under eyes. I'll have a swatch anyway,

Apols in advance, mine is long as I've been postponing it for months. I'll post the seperate format after this one for other to use.

JUNE, JULY & AUGUST EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

EMPTIES:

Kuramoto Bijin Hakumai Ferment Milk (from Japan) loved this very light moisturiser that also worked as a hydrating layer underneath another moisturiser or oil in winter. Excellent on its own in summer. Super hydrating and full of fermented ingredients that my skin responds to particularly well. Haven’t RP as bought it through a personal shopper who has since left Japan and I haven’t gone out and found a new one yet.

Kuramoto Bijin Komeyu (INCI: cold pressed rice bran oil and cold pressed rice germ oil) loved this lots too. Am amazed how quickly I went through it (under a year) as it’s quite a large bottle (60ml), did also use it for hair but not loads. It’s very well priced (under €10) and unlike the milk above it is available through Amazon JP so it’ll be included with my next order. It’s a great allround oil that’s non irritating and not too heavy and like better than just rice bran oil on its own. There seems to be a rival product on Amazon JP for the same price that’s RBO + RGO + rose oil which sounds kind of heavenly too, perhaps I’ll get it for exclusive body use.

2 x The angelic baby skin with Cupid’s bottom HA cream (from Japan, sorry it has a proper name but I’ve forgotten it and the Amazon translation is proving to be useless, I’ll look it up for anyone who wants to know it, just ask), very happy with this. I might switch it out come winter but it’s been serving me very well for quite some time now. Only thing I’m not too enthusiastic about is the rate at which I finish it up.

TO Vit C23% - commented enough on this before, just adding in that since stopping use my dehydration issues drastically decreased. Have switched out to Medik8 CE-Tetra temporarily, see below.

LRP Serozinc- I use this as a post workout spray (after tissuing off any sweat). Have switched out to the Bioderma version which is much cheaper and does the exact same job with less of that chalky residue.

Lotion P50 PIGM 400 - don’t think I need to elaborate on the love for this product. Have moved up to Lotion P50 the full on version though and haven’t looked back since on the skin balance and texturing front. Do slightly miss the brightening effects this gave.

Verso Super Eye Serum with Retinol 8 - have I mentioned that I like this… a whole lot… yes, it needs no further praising from me. Lasted almost a year this time. Had a backup ready and waiting.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner- got this as a freebie (travel size, lasted me about a month) and I used it as an improv light watery moisturiser (as it’s mostly water, glycerin, and squalane) and did a brilliant job as such. I find the price a bit up there for what it is but I still like it.

Kose Sekkisei Sun Protect Essence Milk - still my favourite Japanese SPF. Not a universal rec for everyone due to price and inclusion of fragrance and certain herbal extracts but I still love it dearly.

Vita Liberata Luxury Tan Mousse - I like this a lot, gave a good non-orange tan without even a hint of smell. I’m still useless with it though, always needing to go back the next day to patch up the missed bits. I’m also useless with planning for the good weather so I may just get a bronzer like the Vita Liberata Body Blur or the Sisley for body bronzer.

LRP Toleriane Dermo Cleanser - have RP.

Nearly finished: Suncover Suncare SPF30 (from the Dutch version of Dr. Sam)- love this very lightweight (for a Euro) sunscreen. Have mostly used it for the body and I often used it as the first layer of sunscreen in the AM, following up with a SPF50 at the high risk hours during the day. Very pleased with this and I didn’t expect to go through this so quickly considering it’s 250ml. Bargain price at that too with standout filters. Never thought I'd be contemplating buying the liter version but I may just do that.

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:

Medik8 CE Tetra - I like this a whole lot, very comfortable and did not underperform in comparison to L-AA as far as I could tell. I do wish they’d left out the citrus essential oils . I may try TO version of it at some point but I have loads of Vit C trials ahead so it’ll be a bit. I have the SkinCeuticals to try next though I may be tempted to try TO 30% first if, like most of their other silicone suspensions, you’ll be through it in a month. Current users of TO 30%, how is it working out economically speaking?

Uriage Thermal Water- on the long list of many thermal waters… it’s okay. It’s economical. I still prefer the Vichy so far.

Vichy Mineral 89 - only on day 3 of this but I’m loving it so far. It’s a bit thicker but not a full on gel, spreads with ease and leaves a bit of a sticky feel but it’s perfect to then sprits and extra layer of thermal water on top before putting on moisturiser or SPF. Very luxe packaging (heavy glass bottle) for quite a low price (I paid around €13).

Coming in from Deciem:

Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane - 30ml

Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone - 30ml

Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% - 30ml

Oh, and for anyone else who sheeped their way into buying the R+F, be forewarned Ferulic Acid apparently smells like ass.

Avene Denséal Crème - this a body cream for targeted areas. I bought it since it contains Retinaldehyde which is what Retinol converts to before then converting to Retinoic Acid (the prescription stuff) so it cuts out one process and its gentler. Sounds good, mostly I’m using at as it’s relatively cheap and aside from the ridiculously expensive BR P50 and Paula’s Choice Retinol body cream I’ve yet to find any active skincare for the body that really pulls its weight. Officially this is meant to be for 50+ who are starting to have crepage on the body and their seems to be some indication that it works over a certain amount of time. I’m using it for KP predominantly, going to see if it’ll do anything about stretch marks but I won’t be holding my breath on that front but Retinol has worked well for KP in the past.

PLANNED PURCHASES:

Not much I think, I’m stocked to the rafters on the French Pharmacy front, actives all sorted with the Deciem order. Just need to stock up on Japanese goods, so far I’m planning on:

Marsuyama Cleansing Gel
The angelic baby bottom HA cream
Rice Bran Oil
A Rice extract and HA loaded hair mask
Kracie Himawari Cleansing Oil in Shampoo (so it’s like a cleansing oil shampoo, similar to Shu Uemura but at a bargain price, Dr Dray mentioned liking it a lot, she received it as a sample)

I also need to get a brow pencil or palette of sorts. Chanel seems to have changed the colour on mine, had an H&M one that was decent (a bit like the brow whiz) but it was finished within weeks and I don't really use that much . I have a problematic colour though, dark but cool and it can't be too dark as it reads like Graucho Marx. The famous Anastasia is shite for me and some other brands oxidise from a cool to warm colour for reasons I can't fathom. Am tempted to order the Surrat one or Suqqu palette but considering my poor luck on the colour front that's a bit of a high risk for something I can't trial. Please subscribe for Bo's adventures in eyebrow land, expect lots of frustration and stupid pricetags to amuse you

SPECIAL MENTION:

The Sisley Bronzer, which has me contemplating a makeup/beauty financial diet by only buying things from brands that start with ‘S’, like I’d give up my Surrat and Sisley. And Chanel and Chantecaille are phonetically as good an ‘S’ so I’m covered there too

There’s probably more worth a special mention over the span of 3 months but I’ve lost track and usually report most of those straight away on the thread. Still very much liking the Avene Cleansing Oil for body and the Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion which is proving the perfect companion to my lazy double cleanse. I basically massage in oil cleanser then spray a bit of thermal water and give a gentle rub then slap on the Avene straight after, move it about a bit (it doesn’t need much help) then flannel the lot off in one go rather than going through that process twice. Have attempted this with other cleansers but it never quite worked out as well as it has with the Avene.

Since it's now been the first of the month again it’s time for the monthly overview to get a good idea of what everyone's been using up an trialing and how it's been working for them. I've drawn up a simple format for everyone to use, but it's a guide really no need to adhere to it to the letter .

AUGUST EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

EMPTIES:

Mini reviews of finished products and your thoughts and whether you’d repurchase or already have.

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:

Mini reviews of products on trial and your thoughts so far, please include for approximately how long you’ve been using it.

PLANNED PURCHASES:

Products you’re considering purchasing and would like input on/bring notice to.

SPECIAL MENTION:

Product(s) you may not have started or finished this past month but has been giving you noticeable results (good or bad).

AUGUST EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

EMPTIES:

-TO Vit C MAP 10% - I liked this, but it was used up a lot quicker than I thought it would. Not sure I will RP as I have others I want to look at first.
-CND Rescue Rxx - used this for a few weeks on my brittle, soft nails. Amazing stuff and will RP. It has dramatically improved my cuticles, nail beds and got my nails to grow...even past my fingertips for a while which is unheard of for me. You need to apply twice a day for 1-2 wks on bare nails so I plan to do it one week a month (I polish most of the time).
-IT Cosmetics CC cream. Have already RP'd, this is fabulous for quick makeup days and does a good job at covering redness.

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:

• TO Azeliac Acid (1 month+, 3 x per week). I like this, I know it doesn't work for everyone. My redness has definitely improved with this, as has my texture.

-FaceTheory Regena C20. I bought this about a month or two ago along with the (disappointing) RP of the day and night creams. I no longer use the creams; this serum is OK but smelly. I won't be RPing, I don't think, unless I see dramatic improvements by the time it runs out (also see above, have lots more Vit C I want to try). -Bare Minerals Skinlongevity Vital Power Infusion (I am a marketer's dream, just saying). Not sure what to expect of this but it was an impulse purchase so I will use it. It feels delicious on, over actives and under night cream. Need to look into the INCI...

• BareMinerals cleansing oil...see above. It is nice but hot too different to other oils I imagine.

-Revlon Colorstay foundation. Using for about 3 weeks. Surprisingly happy with this, VG rating so far.

• Real Techniques Multitech XL brush. Fantastic brush, I use it for everything face-related. Might need a back-up or even the smaller size. Have it about 3 weeks now.

-Just received Sol de janeiro shower gel and body mist. Hmmm. Very sweet fragrance. I think the shower gel will be lovely, I feel the body spray is perhaps reminiscent of a Victoria Secret spray or even a cheapie from Primark. Will reserve judgement for now.

PLANNED PURCHASES:
Awaiting delivery on:
-LRP Toleriane hydrating gentle cleanser from US
-LRP Tolerian Double Repair Moisturiser from US

I am interested in:
-Nufountain CE serum, Cos RX advanced snail all in one cream. (Any feedback on either???)
I will also repurchase Matrixyl soon and it will either be TO or Timeless.
-Makeup wise I might try out YSL all hours, Charlotte T's new contour gel cream tube thing and maybe IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness powder.

SPECIAL MENTION:
I have too many oils from TO hanging around unused (I tend to add a drop to night cream but mostly in colder months) so I have been adding a drop or two of Argan or Squalene to my daily body cream.
Also I have been using my FT night cream on my feet at night, then putting on socks. Feet are amazingly soft as a result.

botemp - you mention the TO version of Medik8 CE Tetra - is this the Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F? I have had that on my wish list for a while but if you are liking the Medik8 version I might try that instead.

I forgot to add to my planned purchases (once my Hylamide Sub Q has run out):
Hada Labo premium hyaluronic solution :)

Yep, that's the one.

AUGUST EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

EMPTIES

Deciem hylamide, this is a staple for me as I love the consistency, it's like water so great for my greasy skin, but still hydrating. Already have three stockpiled (bought when Boots had a half price offer on).

TO azeliac acid (finally, felt like it was on it's last legs for months but kept managing to get a bit more out of the tube), didn't seem to do much either way, not repurchasing.

TO Vit c 23% - definitely had a skin brightening effect for me, no irritation, and was ok (though slightly greasy for me) under makeup but have replaced (for now) with the 30% one.

TO natural moisturising factors - no results, but did no harm and didn't give me spots. Not repurchasing for now as trialling other moisturisers.

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:

LRP redermic R eyes - have had this a while now but don't think I've reviewed as missed the July roundup. Unsure, haven't seen any results as yet and can be irritating if used too close to eyes. Will keep going until it's finished but will be careful to use on crows feet only and not under eyes.

TO retinol 1% - don't think I've reviewed this yet and took a long break from it over summer so it's still new-ish in my line up. Having a lot of peeling issues with it right now, will persevere but drop to using it 2x a week, not noticed any results yet.

Hand chemistry hand cream and retinoil - only used for a few days so too early to tell, will review properly next month.

Eucerin 5% urea for face - using on neck on chest, like it so far and my neck looks and feels smoother after only a few uses. May start using on my face (night time only) in winter.

LRP cicaplast peeling, irritated skin repair - been using as a night moisturiser to combat the peeling I'm getting from TO 1% ret, works really well at night and definitely heals/repairs the skin, tried as a day time moisturiser but too heavy for me to wear under makeup.

TO 30% Vit c in silicone - like it so far, prefer the consistency/texture to the 23% and works very well under makeup.

PLANNED PURCHASES:

My sheeple purchases of TO smelly ass Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid and retinol 1% in Squalane will be coming from VH at some point, still on pre order but I'm not in a rush for them.

SPECIAL MENTION:

Alpha H eye complex - I've used this before and loved it but presumed as I aged I needed something more potent as it's a very light gel. Went back to it over summer as it's cooling, soothing and non irritating and have fallen back in love with it. It can be used all over the eyelid (great for crepey eyelids) and makes an instant difference. Not sure about the culmative effects as think the results are mainly on the surface but definitely freshens and brightens and smooths out crinkles and works well under eye makeup. Will continue to use in conjunction with LRP redermic R.

Bo my TO Vit c 30% doesn't seem to have much in the tube and seems like it will be gone in weeks but I thought that about their az acid and it ended up lasting about 3 months, though admittedly I only used it every 2-3 days.

Quick short question, probably with an even quicker, shorter answer...

Am I right in thinking there's nothing to be done for a bit of droopy-ness other than surgical stuff? (Botox/fillers)

First time I noticed it today. The smallest hint of a shadow at either side of mouth.

Enid I have the same issue though suspect mine is worse as I'm a good bit older than you I think. I looked so hangdog and miserable in some of my holiday photos, I really want to do something about it but yes, I think Botox/fillers are the only 'cure'.

I think the only non invasive alternatives would be certain lasers and/or led therapy. OTC cosmetics at best could delay any further drooping but it won't reverse it. Prescription retin-a may help but I don't think it's capable of reversing it, but I'd have to look it up.

Or you can try one of those Japanese face bras

Here's mine...I'm going to respond to others separately as it's too much for my poor small brain otherwise. I've somehow ended up with a retrospective 'planned purchases' on mine, not sure how.

August empties
Neals yard frankincense face mist

• meh no RP but am re-using the pretty blue spray bottle for my much preferred Christian Lennart Rosewater instead, which comes in a bottle too big for my drawer. So this pleases me. TO moisturiser

• Had RP on standby.

Rice bran oil cleanser

• Had refill standing by as had bought big bottle and decanted

TO Caffeine eye

• Nope. Looking for a new love

Topicreme cicaplast

• I do love this and would have RPd but have been seduced by this thread's love for LRP cica. Not got going with that yet.

TO Niacinamide

• Had RP on standby. Love for my red

On trial
Onagrine eye cream
-hmm quite like but not as much as the kiehls avacado samples jdster gave me, will prob go there eventually
Bioderma hydrabio

• Like this as a top up UV part way through the day

TO High spread ability fluid primer

• HATING IT. However, I did try it under make up with the hydrabio instead and it didn't layer well. But hated what it did to me so much, I haven't tried again yet...I will...at some point...

LRP Post-Helios as night cream

• thought I may as well do 6 weeks post-tan and use it up as I bought it last year but didn't open, so no point keeping beyond that. Quite liking

Purchases
Onagrine
Bioderma hydrabio
Bioderma crealine RP Xmillion
LRP Cica
Christian Lennart Rosewater RP
Dermaphil hand-cream RP
Dermaphil lip balm RP
TO HA RP
TO Reservatrol
(Apparently also known as smelly ass??!)
TO vit C 30% love the 23 but want to try with above
Le p'tit marseillaise shower creams x 2 lilac and jasmine

Planned
No plans, all recent lusting after bronzers, palettes and the like will have to wait til we've moved house.

Special mention
Christian Lennart Rosewater- heavenly

Enid glad cica helped and serozinc good idea, didn't think of that.
bo interested by the sound of your rice bran and rice germ oil, love rice bran itself, so...avene body also sounding good.
DID YOU NEGLECT TO MENTION THE SMELLY ASS FACTOR BEFORE WE SHEEPED??!!!! 'bo's sheep revenge'
miffy please review your Toleriane us imports when you can, sound good
user that's interesting about LRP redermic eyes, I hovered by it so many times in France but was worried it would do what you're saying...like the sound of what eucerin 5% urea is doing for you, I find it a great ingredient in other things, so will put this on a possibles list
enid I want to know the answer to this too...upper eyelid crepe happening and it's interfering with eyeshadow use. I might try some TO Agireline there, it's supposed to be good for dynamic folds....
Oh, talking of which, I do have another special mention - I have always had 'neck rings' - noticeable on my mixed-race skin tone and quite deep. Since really cleansing neck much more thoroughly as part of routine (I swear the rings weren't dirt though!!! They're paler and indented) and massaging HA then any old moisturiser thoroughly upwards - I am sure they are much less noticeable. Skin also looks tighter. It's taken a long time and I do think it's down to better blood flow, lymphatic drainage etc.
But just wanted to say it again, though I know I've bored on about it before.
Anyway, that's probably more than enough from me, over and out.

User If I ever do either, I think baby Botox would be preferable to fillers. Fillers seem to change the face shape too much. Unless the people I've seen have just over done it.

Or you can try one of those Japanese face bras

I knew there was an answer! Bulk buying immediately.

Actually I think droopy-ness was a bit harsh. It's not that different but now I've done that 'pulling entire face up towards ears' thing, I can tell. Not a completely bad thing. I, like Yong too I think, always hated people thinking I was loads younger than I was. So finally having a face that people recognise as a grown woman's is quite nice.

Right that turned into some weird stealth boast. 🙄 I'm tired. Honestly, it was very annoying. I always wondered when I'd look older. Guess I now have my answer.

Aaaand I think I should watch mindless crap on Netflix go to bed.

The only skincare thing I've purchased the past month is the Hand Chemistry hand cream again. Still annoyed at the price of it but it is very effective.

Also bought a nail varnish today. Essie 'fall collection' in Knee High Life. Another deep berry red.

Come on Enid, who wouldn't want to wake up like this Disturbingly the second pic is not a sex toy

bo I'm finding those pictures quite disturbing on this Sunday morning
Well I went on holiday with shitty skin, swapped my 2litres of water for wine, ate far too many cream teas and ice creams and have returned with shitty skin that is no worse ! I think I need to resign myself to the fact that maybe this is the skin that I will just have to learn to live with and stop constantly analysing my face. Although once again I was too weak to ignore the new Ordinary products and I'm currently waiting on them to be delivered !!

at the face bras, I'll also add a few 😱😳😵😮

That being said, I was reading another thread here on S&B where someone recommended LED masks that can be bought quite reasonably on Amazon and I am considering it, they don't look quite as sex toyish as the face bra but still pretty scary!

Enid I'm late 40s so my sagging is pretty bad, I'm definitely looking into Botox (would also like it round my eyes) but I have a couple of friends who've been getting it for a few years now and whilst they looked great at first are now starting to look a bit plasticky. They don't know each other or even live in the same country so it's not like they got the same 'bad' Botox-er. So looks like my choice is between saggy or plasticky

yong and user Blepharoplasty might be your answer with the eyelids.

I've had a very basic regime this last Month

August empties

TO vit C 23% works brilliantly for me have worn am and pm predominantly on its own

Murad Clarifying cleanser - lasted ages love this already RP

LRP Toleraine fluide occasionally following Vit C but not so much as didn't always feel necessary - my fave moisturiser

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse - multi purpose dry oil - has been a brilliant all over body oil, used for face (as forgot moisturiser on holiday) and hair on holiday only

Reimanns P30 spf - loved this for whole family as none of us burned and as its an oil it helped keep my face moisturised on holiday.

These are the only products that have come near my face this month apart from one swipe of Pixi glow tonic and Murad Essential C cleanser face wash.

Hair products

Percy and Reed Volumising no oil oil, this is my 2nd empty and I will RP

Swell ultimate protect and renew serum - will RP

On Trial (although I haven't touched these for the last month) but happy with all of them so far until I stopped usage over summer.

TO niacinamide
TO Azelaic Acid
TO Buffet
TO Natural Moisturising Factors and HA
Murad Essential C cleanser face wash - I love this
TO Retinoid 2%

Purchases

Niod Copper amino isolate serum
Niod MMHC
Niod Mastic Must
Niod Photography Fluid 12%
TO Lactic acid 5% (still haven't got round to trialling this)

TO Coverage foundation in 1.2 YG and 1.2 N
TO serum foundation 1.2 N

Haven't needed any foundation the last month as my skin has been looking pretty good for me. looking forward to trialling these when required.

AUGUST EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

Skin type: Oily but dehydrated. Some breakouts. Acne scarring.

EMPTIES:
Almost empty BS Chamomile Cleansing Butter Really like this, it's the only cleansing balm/butter I've tried. I'll use up the Una Brennan Super Facialist Vit C Oil as first cleanse and then I'll RP this one again.

PC Resist BHA I bought this after using the Clear Extra Strength, but don't think it's as good. I'm almost at the end of the bottle. I think I'm going to try TO Salicylic Acid and if I don't get on with that I'll go back to Clear Extra Strength.

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:

LRP Toleriane Dermo Cleanser Been using this as second cleanser for a week now. Really liking it. Doesn't leave my face tight. I think it'll be a staple of my routine now.

Bioderma Hydrabio Bruma Mist Lots of people recommended the LRP Serozinc and this was mentioned as a cheaper alternative. So far so good. It's refreshing. Not sure if it's having a noticeable effect on my skin but I'm enjoying using it. I'll see how long it lasts, if it's used up quick then I probably won't RP, if it lasts a while then I will.

Hada Labo Gokujun Premium Liking this too. Previously I was using TO Hyaluronic Acid which I also liked. I prefer this texture though, and the bottle is huge compare to the TO one.

Cosrx Advanced Snail 92 Cream I LOVE this! It feels like a treatment. It melts into my skin leaving it lovely and soft. It's the first moisturiser I've used that feels like it disappears into my skin rather than sit on the top and slip off. Saying that, I do think I need to add in another light moisturiser on top. It's not quite enough on its own. Also it absolutely doesn't pill or bobble, which is a problem I have with all other moisturisers and lots of products from TO.

LRP Cicaplast Balm B5 Using this on active spots. Can't tell if it's making a difference or not yet. But it has such great reviews on here I'm hopeful it will make a difference!

PLANNED PURCHASES:

TO Salicylic Acid
Possibly TO Natural Moisturising Factors. Or is there a basic moisturiser from LRP or similar that I could try? I know the normal Toleriane is discontinued, is the Ultra any good?

SPECIAL MENTION:

Bamboo Velour wipes/flannels So so soft, really lovely to use as face flannels. Smaller than a normal flannel.

I've discovered that the medication I was on for morning sickness when I was pregnant with my daughter can make you more sensitive to the sun. I took it for the whole pregnancy as I was so sick. I wasn't wearing spf other than minimal spf in face moisturiser or foundation :-( oh dear. Maybe that's why I've go so many lines and crows feet!

ohgoon, I think it's fair to say those pictures are disturbing no matter what time of day.

WRT, LED I think the blue one from Neutrogena has some potential for acne but I wouldn't be all that enthused about a random one of Amazon. Likely to come from China not made to EU safety standards and no indication on what type of LED intensity you're getting. Enid, what was the one that looked like a sex toy you found from again (we're clearly establishing a theme here), was it Foreo?

The Tria are known to be good, this one for the eyes is massively reduced at beauty bay for anyone interested:

www.beautybay.com/electrical/triabeauty/agedefyingeyewrinklecorrectinglaser/orchid

The thing about at home LED is that it's handy for acne as it basically works like an antibacterial so getting it daily helps but I think for the anti ageing it may be more of interest in office as they have better LEDs not available to the general public and combine it with active treatments and it seems the combination effort is truly what gets the results rather than just the LEDs alone.

Ah yes the dreaded Botox look, user. I think it really is down to scrutiny overload. Everything suddenly appears fixable and with your own face it's difficult to see it as it develops day to day. I think it is achievable to look natural with it but you need a healthy self image to begin with along with a good dose of restraint. Plus a good practitioner that is conservative but since that's somewhat business counter intuitive those tend to be very rare.

Courtney Cox recently had all her fillers and Botox dissolved and the difference is quite astounding. Apparently she got very upset none of her friends had pointed out how ridiculous she looked

Milford I'm glad you like the LRP cleanser and the Hadalabo Hyaluronic!

I lurrrve the LRP Toleriane Ultra. I had an allergic reaction to something and my lips and eyes swelled up, lips peeled and the skin on eyes and lips was horrifically dry. Anyway, just kept chucking on the Ultra as much as I could and it's starting to get back to nkrnak. Still really dry but the Toleriane was the only thing I could put on it that didn't feel it was irritating even more. It's very soothing. You also only need a tiny amount each time so, the 40ml bottle looks small, but it's lasted for ages. I'm going to see if my local chemist the eye contour cream tomorrow - got it for my DD a while ago and it completely cleared up the dry/red and sore skin she had under her eyes (yes, poor thing has got my sensitive skin)

In a very long-winded way, I'm recommending the Ultra