🐌 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.

---

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

---

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

Oh my god those face bra pics! 😱😮😬

CC looks so much better! I'd no idea you could get fillers dissolved.

I think it's a slippery slope which is why I haven't gone there...yet. Do think I'm at the age (late 30's) where if I'm going to try Botox, I should do it now as a preventative thing but as far as good self image goes it's wobbly. Plus being ill my body overreacts to every change and is over sensitive so wouldn't want to poke it with a stick, iyswim.

So face bra it is! 👽

Yes it was the Foreo led wand that was sex toy-esque. Particularly in pink. Still interested though. (For mild acne flares)

Milford I use the Cicaplast on spits after they've 'finished' and it speeds up the healing process and either stops from forming or reduces, the red/purple marks (I'm pale white skinned).

Whilst I'm here, has anyone ever used both Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown under eye correctors? My LM one has ran out and it lasted so long that I can't remember what the BB one is like. If you have, which do you prefer? (I use a corrector to tone down the blue and then a brighter concealer in top.)

User I've been having botox since my early thirties (I'm 44 now) and most people have been shocked when I've told them, so I'm guessing there is a choice between sagging and plasticky! However, I just have one area done (between my brows) and it was originally done in an effort to make me look less angry, as I have a perma-scowl when it's not done! It sadly won't address sagging or baggy eyelids, which is my main aging issue. Fillers, if done with a light touch and by a skilled practitioner, can reduce sagginess but I haven't gone down that route yet... As an aside, has anyone tried these things?

For the person asking about the Timeless vitamin C/SkinCeuticals dupe, I've used it but it oxidized really quickly.... may be tempted to try TO 30% when my AF vit c runs out but the silicones put me off.... will wait for your reviews!

Pupsie I've had the same issue with not burning but tanning when wearing spf 50. It happened last year on a beach holiday and last weekend at a festival. I'm not naturally super pale and have been giving the retin-a a break over summer so I'm in the same boat - possible skin damage but hopefully minimised and reversible over the winter!

AUGUST SUMMER EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

EMPTIES:

BS Chamomile cleansing oil - OK but wouldn't RP, prefer the DHC oil I've been trialing

Ceramidin Cream - love it, have RP

Bobbi Brown lipstick in Guava 89, sadly discontinued

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:

Verso eye cream - I've been using this for 6 weeks or so, and although I've not been propositioned by any teenagers yet, I think it's lightened the area under my eyes and bags are a little less prominent, so for me that's a win, thanks for the recommendation Bo!

DHC Cleansing oil - really like this, thicker texture than the BS one and perfect as a first cleanse in the summer when I'm wearing less makeup.

Bareminerals Prime Step spf 50 mineral sunscreen - meh, I don't love it, but I think physical sunscreen was needed over the summer while using actives and this was better than the Skinceuticals one. I'm sure I've had a few more little spots and makeup doesn't look so good on top - maybe I was using too much? OTOH I haven't burnt and think it's an effective sunscreen.

Active Formulas - Collagen serum with EGF - have been using this for a few weeks and only every other day when I'm using vit C in the morning, so I'm not sure it's doing what it should be doing IYSWIM, reason being it has to refrigerated and I can't be arsed traipsing down 2 flights of stairs after showering.....

PLANNED PURCHASES:
CeraVe PM - I've liked it before and want to save Ceremidin for daytime

Maybe TO Vit C 30%? Or am I being a sheeple?!

SPECIAL MENTION:
Ceremidin Cream, really like it

Biore watery essence spf 50 - can't wait to get back to using it after the summer!

Retin-A: I stopped using this over the summer and switched back to TO Retinoid 2% because no matter how much sunscreen I used, my skin still felt like it was being too sun sensitive. I've started back on it now and will start gently and see what happens.

Tsmummy08 is that the Ceremidin gel cream?

I think I'm going to try a non-TO Vit C next. The new one just isn't going to last long, and I'd like to see what spending a bit more brings.

Who's tried something non-TO? I was thinking about Skinceuticals, DLC or Neostrata.

Pupsie it's the regular Ceramidin cream in the tube. I've got dry skin and it feels quite rich.

I've used the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic - it's good, but the price puts me off regular use. I've been using AF vitamin c for almost a year now. Not sure I've noticed a massive difference in my skin but for me it's a preventive thing anyway. I'd be interested in trying some of the other cosmeceutical brands like Obagi or Neostrata and might indulge when I'm in the States next month :)

Sorry for the lack of engagement folks, am fielding a v reluctant return to schooler and it has me worn out!

Quick update - reactive combination skin, with tendancy to dehydration, 40+

AUGUST EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

EMPTIES

LRP redermic eye cream. Have RP. IT does seem to firm a bit when in use, but effect is v temporary. Eyes are my worst area by far as have dry eyes so am constantly pulling at them to put in drops etc. It can be irritating so must be doing something!

LRP Toleriane Fluide. Have RP. Nuff said.

TO 23% Vit C cream, bought 3 tubes of this stuff THE DAY BEFORE they released the silicon version. Oh well. I like it, the 23% version works perfectly well on my skin.

TO 2% retinoid Like this too. Glad to see they have kept it in their recent housekeeping (revenue boosting) sweep

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL

NIOD ester cleanser; LOVE this stuff, though it remains a tad smelly. I find technique is important as it does leave a film on the skin otherwise. I rinse rinse rinse, then flannel .

REN Evercalm cleanser; This is a gel supposedly formulated for sensitive redness prone skin. I like it, I use it for a second cleanse, it is not great at getting a days makeup off on its own. I use it also for the morning cleanse. Again, technique important for me, I rinse first then flannel.

PLANNED PURCHASES

Absolutely will sheepishly be buying the TO Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid. Just have to decide how to bump up my purchases to £25 as bought so much in July I really need nothing for a good while.

Contemplating the TO EUK, NIOD Copper, NIOD repigmentation thingy.

Would love the Suzanne Kaufmann Nutrient Concentrate but it is TOO expensive blast it. £93 >weeps<

Am bored of Hylamide. Don't feel it does much. Will probably change something up when it is finally gone.

Anyone tried inhibitif face serum ? Have terribly hairiness on my neck and chin courtesy of PCOS. Would love something that reduced my plucking... but often these remedies are no good for hormonal hairiness...

SPECIAL MENTION

Alpha Liquid Gold & PC BHA; HAd not used these all Summer. Only the P50w about once a week. Thought my chin was a bit congested so pulled out the other acids. WOW step back and enjoy the beautiful soft skin revealed!! I could suddenly really see the result of months of work!

I'd say I'm not heavy enough on the p50w. It has been tricky in the past and I am very cautious with it.

The Koreans all use those eye tapes on YouTube, Tsmummy08, (I just follow the two, so a bit of overestimation here) to create a double eyelid. Looks like a massive pain in the arse to do and you need to hide it with makeup. Can't imagine it be comfortable to wear either.

Is it the secret camouflage you're using Enid? That stuff is so dry on me I've never used it under the eye. I'm not sure but the BB serum correcting concealer was on sale at my BB counter along with some other products that were being discontinued, I'm wondering if they're discontinuing that with the introduction of their newest concealers?

I have the Skinceuticals waiting on me in the cupboard, still haven't decided whether to quickly try TO 30% before it or not. I have about a week's worth of Medik8 left to decide. At some point, I'd like to try the Medik8 CE-Theone too.

I'd like to try the Obagi sometime too (as most derms use this on themselves) but it's fragranced, stupidly. I'd be curious about the DCL but am wondering if that 30% is a bit overkill and it's in silicone too IIRC.

Eau d'Arse should be arriving from Deciem today, if you don't hear from me anymore, I've probably fainted from the smell.

Bo do you have an opinion on the Drunk Elephant one?

Drunk Elephant Vit C

bo It's the secret concealer so the one on the little round pot rather than the duo in the square palette. Very creamy on me, not dry at all, which now you mention it I think the BB one might've been. I think I'll go with LM again. Feel sort of exhausted with decisions this week, if that makes sense, so better the devil you know.

Thank you btw

In that case, you can try the Kiko full coverage one in the little mirror compacts, I'm really impressed with it, tiny little pot like the LM but not as thick and heavy but still really impressive coverage.

DE, I like the sound of but when you add up the shipping and import tax from Sephora (although you have a roaming DH in NYC don't you ) the price is the same as Skinceuticals. There was a lot of hype around it but you are getting a lot of 'it's not that great' reviews coming in now. I'm curious, the packaging is the main selling point for me, but the price is not enticing enough. If it ever gets here (and it bloody should already) and they don't do a massive markup on it I'll happily buy it for a trial.

Yes, DH is off to NY tomorrow Bo. I might try the Obagi. How has the Medik8 been and can you see yourself returning to TO at some point?

What about Dennis Gross? Am happy to pay a bit more because most of my skincare is rather reasonably priced now, with the exception of a couple of bits.

I think Dr. Dennis Gross is an ethylated one IIRC or a mix of L-AA with others but I have heard good things about it, just pricey, I believe.

I don't remember if we have the Paula's Choice C15 booster yet or not, but that one isn't all round terrible either and mid range in terms of price.

I like the Medik8 btw, but still like the something, something, that L-AA gives in terms of brightness, hence why I want to try the CE-Theone (currently using CE-Tetra). Just not a fan of the inlcusion of essential citrus oils in the formula, it's fine for me but it annoys me when cosmeceutical brands include them, same goes for fragrance. They should know better and all that rot.

I have TO 30% on order but hearing how quick everyone is going through it is not the best selling point.

Thanks Bo. Because I am fine with that moisturising serum that you recommended (very citrussy, and I absolutely love it) I reckon I'll be ok with it.

I'm curious to see if anyone has used this, as it's being talked about very positively on another thread.

M&S Ultimate Sleep Cream

BTW, talking about fillers, I had some light ones last December. I expected them to last 6 months. I still don't feel I need to repeat. I wonder if it's also because I've really overhauled my skincare routine/been consistent with SPF over the last year too...

pupsie I had some in last years M&S beauty advent calendar, it didn't suit my sensitive combination skin but I know lots of people love it.

Botemp Can I ask about Dimethicone? I saw it mentioned (can't remember if it was here or not) I see from the internet that it's listed as a possible skin irritant. How much of a "baddie" is it?

It was annoying to see it listed, pretty far down the ingredients list, in a couple of LRP products, but not all.

Also, is the Ceramidin Cream you mentioned the Dr Jarts one?

Thanks

Bo the before pic of Courtney Cox actually looks a lot like one of my friends I mentioned, it's odd as they don't look that similar (apart from colouring) without the Botox/fillers, it seems to turn people into clones if overdone.

Tsmummy & Pupsie thank you for sharing your experiences, sounds like I need to look into fillers but make sure I find a reputable/skilled practitioner with a light touch and don't allow myself to get carried away with it! I'm also looking into blepharoplasty though that won't help with the lower face sagging.

I'll check out LED treatment as well - in a salon rather than the scary masks on Amazon! I don't have acne so don't think the neutrogena one would help that much.

I can't see how those brow lift sticker things wouldn't be really noticeable or how they'd work with makeup. And I'm not desperate enough for a face bra just yet....

I've tried the indeed labs Vit c (sample my mum gave me) I thought it was ok, but it's siliconey too, more so than TO 30% and also a small tube but more expensive.

Didn't Naomi Campbell once say she tapes her face up and hides it under her hair pieces/weave? Mind you I can't imagine it takes that much to look amazing when you start off looking like her.

Haha Enid suppose it might be worth a try, I've got some duct tape round here somewhere...

VH have just emailed, smelly ass sheeple TO purchases are en route.

Bagel yes it's Dr Jart, should've said :)