🐌 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

SEPTEMBER EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

EMPTIES:

Avene Xeracalm Cleansing Oil (travel size 100ml)

Still very happy with this, pretty economical in use. Have tried it on the face for the eczema prone rec and works well there too, except a bit stingy in the eyes. Have RP full size.

Medik8 CE-Tetra (3ml sample size that was like a Hanukkah miracle with how long it lasted)

Liked this a whole lot, did massive things to improve my dehydration (I suspect TO’s brand of HA just isn’t suited to me, which explains why I’m not that over the moon with most of their products). Has definitely prompted me to try the CE-Theon once my SkinCeuticals is finished and possibly TO tetra Vit C version for comparison.

MV Organics Rose Plus Booster

Just about managed to finish this up within the 24month period, I like it a lot but don’t think I’d be prepared to pay the high price tag that it comes with. Initially bought into it for promising to help with dehydration (eh, not so much) and the ‘perfect’ product for people with PCOS/hormonal skin (eh, kind of a vague promise but it is very soothing). Do really like the quality and packaging of the product but since my skin is in a much less sensitive and less volatile place the need for something so high quality isn’t there anymore so I can afford to downgrade without compromise.

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:

The non Smelly Arse aka TO Resveratrol + Ferulic Acid

Like this a lot in conjunction with BR P50

SkinCeuticals Vit C (the OG Vit C serum)

I guess for me the fuss about it is real, still hate the price tag.

TO Granactive Retinoid in Squalane 5%

Definitely a marked improvement on the Emulsion in 2%, I think if you’d use this nightly you’d be in for a peeling party. It is heavy, which shortens my routine down massively (nothing before it aside from cleansing and nothing over it). Am wondering if that makes it work better too as there’s no dilution happening.

PLANNED PURCHASES:

Still need to order from Amazon Japan, but no hurry. Am looking at other facial oils, know I’m getting the Rice bran/germ oil again from Japan but my other MV organic oils are about to finish too so I have plenty of vacancies. Decisions, decisions.

Possibly get the Benton snail bee cream again for winter.

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 .

SEPTEMBER 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).

SEPTEMBER EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

EMPTIES:
Hylamide SubQ Anti Age serum. Loved this but I have so many daytime serums to get through (my achilles heel) that it will be a while until I RP.

Avene hydrance - I use this every autumn/winter, starting with the Light and moving onto the Rich. However this year I am using the SPF-free versions and applying separate SPF on top. Have already RP’d

Garnier eye mu remover - HG status, will RP forever :)

Garnier toner honey flower - I liked this, I use it after cleansing on nights when I apply retinol-based treatments. Will RP after I finish up the Aloe toner from TBS.

Sanctuary wet moisture - a body lotion you apply directly after showering and before drying self. Handy for rushed mornings, have already RP'd (I love the sanctuary spa fragrance so I migrate back to it every few years)

TO retinol 2% - liked but am going to try out one of the newer stronger versions next.

Neutrogena T/gel shampoo for sensitive scalp - I use this as my first shampoo to prep my scalp and keep flakies at bay. I will RP but first I will use a bottle of the TBS ginger shampoo as it has been lying around unused.

TO NMF cream - finished my second tube. Won't repurchase for a while anyway due to the Hydrance. Not 100% convinced on this, it is a pretty OK moisturiser but I think, for me, there are better ones out there.

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:
Vichy 89 - have been using off and on for a month or so, need to get into a routine of using it daily (will use it to replace the Hylamide Sub Q in my morning routine)

Sol de Janeiro - I got the shower gel and spray about a month ago and am converted. It is quite heavily fragranced but cheers me up on the dull days!

LRP Toleriane double repair moisturiser - the US version. Have not used this regularly or long enough to fully judge BUT so far I like the texture, how it goes under makeup and I think it will be ideal for winter.

LRP Toleriane gentle hydrating cleanser - again the US version, Yes, love it, leaves no residue and will be getting another bottle when DH goes states-side in November.

Verso eye cream - just started this, have moved it back to 2/3 times a week as it was leaving my under eye area quite dry.

Fenty makeup - mixed review - love the lip gloss and the contour stick, like the foundation and the primer (not together) and regret purchasing the highlighter/concealer sticks. Birthday impulse buy :)

Catrice hd foundation - bought as it is supposed to contain similar ingredients to the Fenty foundation. For someone like me who normally dislikes matte finish/heavy coverage, I was nicely surprised. This goes on like a dream, lasts all day, covers all redness (no need for concealer) BUT daily use dries my face so I will keep it for occasional use.

Embryolisse lait creme concentre - a heavy, oily cream that I have been using once or twice a week when my face needs something to seal in all the hydration. I really like this so far (a few weeks of use)

TO Vit C 30%, resveratrol and EUK - I have been mixing in two drops of the Resveratrol to the Vit C every second morning for two weeks now. I like how it makes my face look (bright, no irritation) but I dooooo feel my skin is getting a little dry. Will persevere and add in more hydration and see how it goes this month. The EUK I actually started using on alternate mornings this past week or so but I migh move to PM and combine with P50W as botemp suggested (bo in which order would you apply the two?)

PLANNED PURCHASES/Purchases enroute:
Waiting on Hadalabo toner to arrive
Will eventually purchase Dr Jart Ceramidin but not yet. Will see how I get on with the Embryolisse first.
Want to get the TO 5% retinol in squalene and maybe the new Esho Drench treatment for my lips.
Finally has anyone used a scalp scrub treatment (eg Briogeo, or TBS versions)? I am interested in these.

SPECIAL MENTION:

I stopped using Cerave PM lotion in the morning (was using this one as it has no SPF) as it contains niacinamide and I believe this should not be used in conjunction with Vitamin C. However it is not heavy enough for me in winter so I will put it aside for now.

I started using Philip Kingsley elasticizer again and it is a nice weekly treat for my hair (especially as my roots badly need doing and the condition is woeful). Unlike others here I am actually looking forward to my hair appointment on Saturday!! (colour only, no cut this time)

Miffy I made a note of the LRP for DH's next trip to the US, next month. Except I had it down as LRP Toleriane Gentle Gyrating Cleanser (darn auto-complete!). Glad I noticed. Poor chap would have been mooching for hours.

I am having my hair cut and coloured tmrw and can't wait. I am going to have a few more layers cut in so that I can wear it au naturel more, ie wavy. I have at last found a product for that which doesn't make it frizzy, or leave it feeling tacky/crusty; Aveda Be Curly (thank you Trinny!). Also going to go a little warmer colour-wise.

EUK after P50, miffy.

Pupsie, I remember using Aveda Be Curly way, way, back. I think it's a bit of hair cult classic much like the Sebastian Potion. It worked miracles at first but then proceeded to give me terrible buildup, so in the end I had to abandon it as the cycle between build up and use of clarifying shampoo kept getting shorter and shorter. Mind you, this was back in the day when I had an abundance of hair though.

I'm actually thinking of trying the Davines OI line, specifically the all in one milk (sort of a leave-in conditioner, heat protectant, anti-frizz hybrid product) but am also in need of a new conditioner soon. Anyone tried it? It's supposedly a natural/organic brand but it has silicones in it, which I kind of like for my hair, curly girl methods, co-conditioning, etc. never worked out for me so this sounds kind of ideal, lots of rave reviews but it seems to have 'done the rounds' with influencers so I'm a bit

www.dermacaredirect.co.uk/skinceuticals-serum-10-30ml.html?fo_c=715&fo_k=184c06e10f739b761a586fa03edad742&fo_s=gplauk&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIy9vy3InX1gIVzLztCh21iQNtEAQYAiABEgLfp_D_BwE

Is this the vitamin C you're using bo?

No hair appointment yet. It's because I have to go somewhere new as mine closed down and I know it's not going to be great.

Oh and my new bag! I really need to cut the tags off already and wear it out

No, it's the the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic that I'm using but I believe the one you've linked is similar at a lower % and no Vit E, but I'd have to compare them side by side to make sure.

Ahem, quote from a skincare article in Red mag this month (November edition)

"The recent 'What's your skincare routine?' thread on Mumsnet reads like a beauty fan's update of the first 17 pages of American Psycho, as it becomes clear that skincare has become a competitive sport."

That's not us...is it?

Trying to upload pics of the article as it's quite interesting. It's probably the approach we were all advocating anyway tbh. Take it slow and keep it simple.

.

.

(Sorry for multiple posts. It's the only way it would let me do it. first paragraph is missing. This is the last bit.)

Ooh if it is us in our most competitive form, does it mean I win

Though actually I think they may be referring to the thread (think mint may even have started it) that inspired Pupsie to ask about skincare ingredients that's the first thread of this series.

You are Queen Snail bo 👑🐌

The competitiveness that gets my goat on the skincare threads, started in Chat usually, are the "I only wash my face once a month in a crusty old slither of Imperial Leather and look at how glowing I am." Cue overly filtered photo #nomakeup.

Oh dear what did I start??

I’m in an online book club but we chat about everything and anything, recent discussion was night time skin care routine and there were only four of us (out of a group of 30 plus) who had a routine, most either used wipes or slept in makeup and only washed their faces in the morning under the shower. Moisturiser in the morning but nothing at night. I was shocked to my core I haven’t met all of them irl but their skin looks good in photos, mind you so does mine thanks to the iPhone filters

I can’t read the magazine article (on iPad and have bad eyesight) but very impressed we are famous, though I wasn’t around in the early days so might have missed my 15 minutes. Hope they’re not stealing our snail 🐌 🐌 🐌

SEPTEMBER EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

EMPTIES

Hand chemistry pro-repair. Was meh at first but about 3 weeks in (and I only use it once a day just before bed) I suddenly noticed a massive improvement. My hands are noticabley smoother and younger looking. Already re-purchased.

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:

Hand chemistry retin oil. Don’t like it much for all over the body, it’s too greasy/tacky and is a really small bottle so wouldn’t last long anyway, I’m using it just on my neck and chest now and it’s really good. Upper chest area (décolletage or whatever it’s called) looks clearer/smoother. No irritation.

Hand chemistry hyaluronic body mist spray. LOVE IT. Super quick for mornings when I’m in a rush, absorbs really quickly with no need to rub in, no tackiness or greasiness and makes my skin nice and soft, no irritation. Only negative is I seem to be getting through it very quickly, it’s almost an empty after a couple of weeks and it’s not cheap.

Eucerin 5% urea facial moisturiser. Really like it, got it for neck and chest but it’s very lightweight and non greasy so using it on my face as a night time moisturiser. No spots or irritation and seems to be keeping the peeling I was getting from TO ret at bay.

Smelly ass ferulic stuff from TO. No irritation but no results either though probably not used for long enough yet. Have to make sure I only use one small drop mixed with Vit c as it’s quite oily.

RCMA mattifying powder. Loved it at first but less keen now, as it’s gone claggy on me a few times and it’s not good over matt or heavy coverage foundations. No good for out and about or travel either, too messy.

PLANNED PURCHASES

Swithering over retin-A but not sure where I’d get it from, seen some threads here on S&B about eBay but not sure if I’d risk it.

SPECIAL MENTION:

All three hand chemistry products already mentioned above, just wish the hyaluronic mist was a bit more economical.

I think the LRP Dermo Cleanser is fine! I just feel it leaves my skin nice and soft.

My skin (eyes in particular) had a freak out to some allergy or other a few weeks ago, so have cut out TO for now, just went back to Aveeno moisturiser.

I did repurchase LRP Hydraphase HA Serum (had finished TO and I’m not sure if my skin likes the Hado Labo) and got Hydraphase Intense Eyes for the 1st time. It feels cool and lovely on my poor, dry eyes and they do feel better already. Got 3 free mini samples offered and 25% off the range.

I love the idea of “Gentle Gyrating Cleanser”

Btw, has anyone used the CORSX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Essence?

If yes, any idea if it’s at all suitable for sensitive skin or is it taking too much of a chance? And is it worth it?

SEPTEMBER EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

EMPTIES
I've finally got round to doing one of these! I do enjoy reading other people's so here goes.

Reminder of skin type- oily/combination.

DHC cleansing oil. I got two mini sized bottles and finished first one. A good first cleanse at night. Rinses off well. I'm using second bottle and would repurchase. I alternate with Superdrug vitamin E hot cloth cleanser because sometimes I like the feel of a cream cleanser.
LRP toleriane dermo cleanse. Used as a second cleanse at night, I don't mind it. I've repurchased, in that I got 3 for 2 in Boots so another 2 to go. I don't like it as a sole cleanse in the morning as it feels like it leaves a film on my skin.
Not quite an empty but gave up on cosrx BHA as I detailed before, just wasn't working but I definitely feel I've missed using a BHA.
Toleriane fluide. A lovely light moisturiser I use in the morning. Sometimes not moisturising enough if used retinoid the night before. Repurchased about another 6 bottles (prior to being discontinued forever)
NIOD flavanone mud. A mud/clay mask that stings quite a lot when you rinse off. Nothing special, bought lots of NIOD products when they first came out and in fact I don't think I'll repurchase any of them! I do quite like their mastic mud mask but effects don't justify price point (it's the one where they suggest blow drying your face for 10 seconds after removing

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:
Cosrx low ph good morning cleanser. I really like this as a morning cleanser. Feels like it cleanses away oil thoroughly without stripping. Smells of tea tree oil. A little goes a long way so it won't be an empty for another year!
Differin gel (retinoid marketed for acne but used by others and me as a retinoid. Available OTC in US). Retinoids are for the long game so difficult to know if this is doing much. I was using 2% retinoid from TO but then got this and switched. Not too drying. I've got another one in stock but my head's been turned by the new offferings from TO so we'll see.
Just got a new PC BHA which I'm happy with.
Vit C 23% and 30% TO. Using them both alternately. I like the texture of 30% one but overall I don't see any particular brightening with using them. Interesting Bo's comments about skinceuticals one. I think of it as 'medicine for the skin' as another poster on here put it.
TO azelaic acid. Not sure where this fits into my routine and only used a couple of times so a non review really.
Toleriane double repair moisturiser. A couple of others using this too. A nice night time moisturiser with addition of niacinamide I would repurchase but not available in U.K.

PLANNED PURCHASES:
BR 50. Toy with the idea of this. I like the idea of something that will have a dramatic effect (perhaps wishful thinking on my part)

SPECIAL MENTION:
Keratin blow dry. I finally got round to trying one and I must say I like the effects. My hair is much easier to blow dry and I don't need straighteners for the whispy bits at the front so overall condition feels better. £100 a pop though!

bagel I’ve used the cosrx snail essence and I dunno, meh. I think for me the effects of snail aren’t that miraculous though, I just get a basic hydrating effect but it doesn’t heal all my scares or anything. So I dunno, worth a shot if you’re curious but it didn’t wow me. Sadly! Didn’t stop me from trying more snail, got the Scinic Snail All in One Ampoule which is massive and I’ll be using it until the end of times in saecula saeculorum.

My new TO stuff came today! I immediately slathered on the 5% retinoid in squalane because that’s how I roll, test drive ON MY FACE. And ... you know, maybe it’s me and squalane, but I dunno. It just sits there? Does it ever sink in?

Nice bag, Bo!

TO Azelaic Acid.

My DD17 has tried, over the last couple of years: tons of different cleansers, creams including Benzyl Peroxide & Differin (complete tubes) of both from the GP. Did absolutely nothing for her acne/spots & very oily forehead. She also used 3/4 of TO Niacinamide which made her break out more of anything (quite a lot of people say this) and spot treating with TO Salicylic Acid.

She’d been prescribed antibiotics but I wasn’t keen on her using those as I’d had a lot of feedback that they ruin your digestive system. She was about to start Epiduo and a Glycolic face wash prescribed by a dermatologist.

After a couple of months, during which time she hadn’t really wanted to start using them, I persuaded her to try TO Azelaic Acid. It seems to be helping! Her forehead is definitely a lot less oily, acne seems reduced, small spots/bumps seem lessened and she doesn’t seem to be getting as many new spots. Early days yet but I’m glad she tried it before going on to stronger products. It doesn’t seem to dry out her skin too much either.

SEPTEMBER EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

EMPTIES
TO vit C 23% love this and have repurchased, really suits my skin, has brightened it and helped with redness and evening out my ruddy complexion to the point I can be make up free if I choose to. I use this every other night alternating with mainly TO retinol 2%.

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL
TO retinol 2% I like this, it doesn't dry my skin out, havent been using it long enough yet to comment further but skin is happy with this combined with Vit C
TO Azealic Acid - I will use this more now I have finished TO vit C to contrast and compare effects
TO Coverage foundation, I love this stuff. When I have to get up at 6am for work and urm dont always have time to cleanse, I slap on my Lancome La base pro (no moisturiser) followed by this foundation. It lasts all day and doesn't dry out my face or give me spots and I dont need a powder to set it. Obvs when I'm not half comatose in the mornings my routine is far better.
TO Lactic acid 5% this is fine but only used it a couple of times so cant really comment so far. Will probably just use every couple of weeks perhaps as I do my Liquid Gold.
TO Silicone primer - will use this once my lancome base runs out

PLANNED PURCHASES
None at present - I still havent opened my NIOD purchases from last month. I might actually start using them now I've finished with my Vit C 23%. We shall see.

SPECIAL MENTION

userallusedup I have the hand chemistry hyaluronic gel in a pump, have it ages and ages. I use it occasionally when I remember to (it is beside my bed, maybe I need to move it to sit with my other skincare) and it feels lovely on. Might be an alternative to the spray as it certainly lasts.

You have reminded me I also have a hand chemistry hand cream, not sure which one, but I need to start using it again!

Pupsiecola LOL at the gyrating cream. I can just imagine my own DH trying to track this down in Walgreens...

botemp that is a beautiful handbag. A little bit different to any I have seen before. Take those tags off and throw your keys and wallet into it ;)