🐌 Fantastic Skincare: The Snailaversary and Winter is Coming, Luckily, we're Part Sheep 🐑

[botemp]

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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. 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

NEWish since previous threads:

Understanding Which Sunscreen(s) to Buy

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

NEW since the last thread:

A Damaged Skin Barrier - Now What?

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.

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.

OCTOBER 2017: It's our snailaversary ! Our baby ripe toddler skins are about a year old now, or rather getting together on these threads about a year ago. I can't believe we're all still finding things to chat on about between the hair disasters. I know I always encourage a bit of catching up at the beginning of the new thread with how everyone's skin been progressing over the last couple of weeks/months but now I'm demanding more and would really like to hear how everyone is doing a year on now, or however long you've been with us. Basically, pledge your undying love for these threads

NB: I've removed the form from the OP as I felt there really wasn't a need for it anymore. I think I've also answered enough of those forms in their previous incarnation for a lifetime so it may just be a selfish decision but it's been made

My lips are quite red naturally which is why I find it really difficult to achieve a lighter lip which is what I want 😏.

Considering all glosses are semi-sheer usually that would be difficult to achieve I think. A liquid lip with a glossy finish would be a better product to look for in that case I think.

Hmm 🤔 that's very true bo, any recommendations of such thing?

Think Olli's more knowledgeable in that arena. Maybe the NYX ones, they're called something stupid like lingerie or something

Does anyone know of a good dupe for Sunday Riley UFO oil? I'd like to try it but it's super expensive

Eek, nearly forgot the month's empties form:

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 .

NOVEMBER 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).

I have no empties to report. I tossed out the Essence mascara as it gave me really puffy eyes, went right out along with my disillusions that cheapo mascaras that go viral are for me.

Shop, there's no direct dupes as far as I'm aware. It's a tough one as it has several quite expensive oils suitable for clog prone skin and the salycilic acid so it would be tough to DIY that and just the oils alone would cost a similar price in terms of initial investment as the UFO itself, ultimately you'd end up with more product but oils go off so I doubt you'd able to use it all before it goes rancid. Mini sizes should be available to trial, SpaceNK sometimes has them and otherwise check eBay. AFAIK the reviews aren't that stellar though.

I'm here

Lip recs

NYX do a butter gloss which is nice, I have it in the shade tiramisu
Lip lingerie is matte finish
Makeup geek have a product called plush lip cream (not the matte one) and that has mixed reviews
Burts bees lip balms are good for a wash of colour
Not sure what lipstick queen does now, they had a great liquid lipstick that wasn't matte and not drying at all

Been AWOL due to job loss really. Using up my balm/cream cleansers before I reorder LRP
Nip fab kale fix moisturiser is lovely for me, no break outs
Have ordered something botemp recommended ages ago. Kiku something high moisture. Anyway has ceramides which my skin seems to need
Still curly girl method so conditioner only washing, really like the yes to carrots scalp relief and picked up some EO essentials conditioner in TK Maxx

Forgot some!
Revlon - just bitten which is like a chubby pencil
Colourpop ultra gloss lip

mint For lips I find I am mostly drawn to my M&S Rosie Lip Glossy, its so soft and buttery I just love it. I have the colour 'my best girlfriend' which suits me perfectly.
I also use my Nivea fruity shine in watermelon or cherry which both have a bit of colour and smell lush.
or my aigner anti drying protective lip balm (which was a freebie on the plane so no idea where you would buy it from) This is next to my bed and I use it at night as required.

Oh yes I wanted to add that TO niacinamide + zinc has given me a pustulent spot on each temple and on one eyelid grrr.
So its been relegated to the back of a shelf, not sure why I cant bring myself to throw it away, but hey ho.
Luckily however TO salicylic acid is getting rid of them fairly rapidly.

Olli I feel for you its so crap to lose a job, bastards, however something will pop up when you least expect it, enjoy the free time you have if you can till then and give your poorly body a break

Bo I after much perusal I have bagged myself a lovely big scarf to french myself up a bit

Thanks olli and tant I appreciate the suggestions and will check them out.

I'm feeling a little down at the moment as my skin is playing up, seem to be breaking out and I'm just not happy. However I have recently introduced couple new products so am telling myself it's just my skin adjusting to the changes (my skin seems to need a little time) so will just carry on using what I'm using for few more weeks and hope it calms down! Does anyone else's skin play up for a while when trying something new?

It plays up immediately with me or in a delayed response. It never reacts well to continued use but I'm sensitive by type not from product misuse.

SkinCity offers of the day, 40% off Akademikliniken (Swedish cosmeceutical, brand never tried it) and Vita Liberata.

Another new month! Where is the time going! My skin is definitely feeling more comfortable after some changes:-

EMPTIES

NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 1.00% - not sure it made any different. Won’t RP.
Dr. Traub Skin Returning Niaten Serum (10% Nia) - I think this may be too strong for me. I won’t be RPing. I am using moisturisers with Nia in now which seem to suit me better.

TRIALLING

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash - this makes my skin red after use so will use on body in shower instead.
Elta MD PM therapy (one of the ones with Nia in) - recommended by Dr. Sam. I like this a lot. Feels very moisturising.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair II - I like this. Not sure I’d use it all year round because it’s expensive but it’s good for now.
Avene Hydrance Optimale - I like this one. Not sure I’d RP though. Purchased BEFORE I realised I have enough moisturisers thank you very much, but was lacking a serum or two
Avene Tolerance Extreme Mask - recommended by Dr. Sam
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
LRP - Double Repair Moisturiser

PLANNED PURCHASES

Nothing. But I'm up a mountain in France for Christmas, and there's a decent pharmacy. I will say no more...

SPECIAL MENTION

Returned to the following for winter:-
Bioderma Hydrabio - so luxurious and juicy
Darphin Intral Serum - I LOVE this
NeoStrata Bio-Hydrating Cream - recommended by my dermatologist years ago.

NOVEMBER EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

EMPTIES:
Mostly HG items or stuff I will buy on repeat:
-TBS Ginger shampoo - I love this, already have a backup from a sale ages ago but I am actually using the Tea Tree shampoo from TBS as my first shampoo these days to alternate and really liking it.

• ABH Brow Wiz - HG eyebrow pencil. I go through 2 a year, not cheap but any alternative has not, IMO, come up to scratch.

• Alfaparf semi di lino moisture shampoo - love this after colouring my hair and might RP some day, when I get through the mountain I already have lined up.

• Nivea sun Creme Care UV Cream - yes I like this, but I am trying out a new one by Eucerin now that I like too!

• Jo Malone pomegranate noir perfume - my winter favourite, already RP'd back when JM had a lucky dip freebie event

• TBS honey & almond body butter - yes I love this, and the matching shower cream. RP'd when away in Madrid (Irish branches of TBS NEVER do the 30/40% off offers :( )

• IT Cosmetics CC cream - my daily HG foundation. Have already RP'd before I even ran out as I was afraid to be without!

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:

• Drunk Elephant Vitamin C serum. Still trialling this. Occasionally my skin feels tight so I think I need a really hydrating cream over this before SPF. Happy with it though, unfortunately for my wallet.

-Eucerin SPF ie.iherb.com/pr/Eucerin-Daily-Protection-Moisturizing-Face-Lotion-Sunscreen-SPF-30-Fragrance-Free-4-fl-oz-118-ml/45784 Have been using for a month or so, very nice, good under makeup. Lighter texture than the Nivea.

• Vanicreme cleanser - only using a few weeks, seems similar to the Original LRP Toleriane cleanser. Free of pretty much everything. I use it either as second cleanse PM or in the shower AM. Leaves skin quite squeaky but not dry or itchy.

• Pixi hydrating mist - a bit of an impulse purchase when buying a few bits from Target as it is so cheap there. I like it for the occasional freshening up during the day.

-Shiseido cotton pads - my sheeple purchase (stephanie nicole) - just the most perfect cotton squares. Soft as can be and perfect for removing eye makeup. Can't say if I will RP yet as they were $10 on ebay but I got 160 or something in the pack so they will last ages :)

• TBS tea tree shampoo as mentioned above. Really like this for my hair (coloured, tending towards oily roots with occasional dandruff) and I follow with a second shampoo, either Kerastase or Pureplogy.

PLANNED PURCHASES:

• have bought but not started using Pestle & Mortar Superstar oil (BF offer). Will wait until Differin tube is finished. Really liking the Differin BTW. Skin looks fab.

• I was sent a small vial of Codage hydration serum No1 by Skincity (they messed up a delivery and sent this to make it up to me) and I think it is a lifesaver for this time of year. 2-3 drops under day cream and my face feels so soft and hydrated. Might splurge next month when budget allows.

SPECIAL MENTION:
Nothing to mention really except I am beginning to see more HGs and RPs in my reports and fewer things on the planned purchase lists so I am a happy camper!

Also last month I was frustrated with my eye cream/puffy eye situation. My new routine is Verso eye serum x2 p/w and then Kiehls avocado cream the other nights/in the AM. Seems to be working well so far. I will be adding in Kiehls midnight recovery eye cream soon as I have a tube of it.

Blimey that time of the month again, the time is flying! Not much change for me this month though.

EMPTIES

First aid beauty ultra repair moisturiser and cleanser. I only got trial/travel sizes to start with but they are all used up and I’ve repurchased full sizes. Both pretty innocuous products but doing their jobs as they should, keeping flaky winter skin at bay and not causing irritation or breakouts.

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:

Vichy liftactiv Vit c serum. Been using for a couple of weeks and really like it, it’s a watery serum which is just what I wanted & sinks right in, no funny textures like TO and no issues under moisturisers, spf or makeup, plays nicely with all. My skin seems a little bit brighter but it’s hard to tell at this time of year and early days yet to see real results. No irritation yet (I was wondering previously if I was allergic to Vit c) but TO Vit c was fine initially then started making me itchy so I’m not out of the woods yet. It’s a small bottle so not sure how long it will last and may work out quite costly but I don’t mind that if the results are good.

Lansinoh as lip balm. Love it, has made my lips better already and helped with the flaking round my nostrils I’d got from the never ending cold.

PLANNED PURCHASES:

Already bought but not started using yet as still have a LRP one on the go: Vichy thermal water

SPECIAL MENTION:

Nothing that I haven’t mentioned before

EMPTIES:

Bioderma Atoderm shower oil. Really impressed with this. No more tight feeling skin after showering. Particularly good for calves after shaving. Noticible improvement on my upper chest area where I can't use moisturiser, softer, smoother and even toned. Definitely repurchasing, will get the big 1l bottle this time.

Kiehl's Avocado eye cream. Been using for a few months and having gone without it for the last week, realised how nice it is. Very comfy as bo put it. I also like the hint of green in it, barely visible really but feel it brightens the area/toned down any redness. Have repurchased already and the new pot arrived today. Ahhhh relief!

Elemis skin nourishing Milk Bath. I love this stuff so much. Especially in Winter. Another comforting product. Skin feels smoother after use and I can't get enough of the scent, although it's very subtle. Have already repurchased this back up bottle in October. I have more baths in December than any other month.

Neutrogena hand cream, red top. Best basic hand cream imo. Although the 'just a dab' advice on it is bollocks. Get it slathered on is my advice. Already bought 3 back ups in October.

Lush American Cream conditioner. I don't want to like this as it's expensive for the amount I use and isn't as rich as I'm used to but it does leave my hair looking shiny, light at the roots and soft at the ends. Smells lovely, Will repurchase. Reluctantly.

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:

Vichy Clay Mask (grey one). Have been using a sample pot of this for about 3 months, once a week on my nose to try and reduce sebaceous filaments. Tend to break out on my face if I use clay masks so thought I'd use it up on my nose. It's actually working surprisingly well. My nose 'pores' are clearer after use and the SF seem reduced. It doesn't feel too drying or harsh although does have scent so wouldn't be good for sensitive skin. Unsure if I'll repurchase once finished. I have two Origins clay masks I need to use up so may try those first.

Elemis illuminating flash balm. Have used this before a while ago but have been using it this time for around 3-4 months, 1-2 a week, only on cheeks (not t zone) and observing carefully. It is an excellent make up base, adds glow and feels luxurious. Strongly scented and definitely unnecessary. Don't think it does very much tbh but I still really like it for that extra subtle something that it adds on days I want to look polished. Jury is out.

PLANNED PURCHASES:

Nothing specific but have noticed congestion on forehead and chin so will be looking into vitamin C serums.

SPECIAL MENTION:

So this is very random but Ecover Zero non-bio washing powder. 🤔 😁 I use this on my pillowcases, flannels and towels and since switching to it (about a year ago) I do think it makes a difference to break ours and irritation. Especially the flannels. I accidentally washed one with the normal linen wash and could feel the conditioner on it when it was wet. Yuck.

Bought a new Shimmer Brick in Rose from Bobbi Brown. My old one was dropped and crumbled into a mess. Also a BB highlighting powder in Pink Glow. Didn't need both really and unsure how to use highlighter but it's so so pretty. Will have to find out how to use it properly without looking like a disco ball. I know it's the season for sparkle but there's a limit.

Keep getting drawn in by the lovely Bobbi Brown things. I really like the whole B.B. make up look. It's a bit 'you but better'.

Holy crap. Sorry! It didn't look that long!

Skip it. I basically just bought what I always buy, quite like a Vichy clay mask and bought Bobbi Brown stuff I need.

I don't* need

👑👑👑

Did anyone succumb to any of the beauty advent calendars? I was given a Soap & Glory one which has been fun. Foot cream, which I've used before and like, on day one and a lip crayon/gloss thing today. Smells lovely and feels nice on.

The M&S one looked good and Selfridges one. Trouble with them is the amount of skincare that I know I won't use. Look lovely though.

I like the look of the Bioderma Atoderm shower oil. Will have a look in my local Boots. Thanks, Enid.

I have actually still got a spare M&S advent calendar from last year which I am opening up this year because I haven't yet finished most products off from the calendar I did open last year
I really liked all the products so its fine by me although I have forgotten what they were so its still a surprise of sorts.

In fact I used one of last years products tonight because I got a new one today. The Rodial super acids x-treme acid rush peel.

I followed this with a homemade fullers earth clay mask on my nose and the 2 massive zits on my temples. You could see where my skin was visibly tightening up too much actually from the clay, which I was going to leave on overnight on the spots, not nose, but decided it was working too well.
This was then followed with azailic acid, which tingled far more than usual, silly me, followed by LRP toleraine fluid which then made it sting again as soon it had calmed down so I then liberally sprayed some radial dragons blood hyaluronic acid mist on which managed to calm it all down
Fingers crossed my skin is not bright red bloody mess in the morning

I havent bought a new product in what seems like ages, I'm more than happy with what I'm currently using apart from the cursed spot inducing niacinamide. I have enough products to deal with the change in season so I'm ok really.
I have purchased a lot of shampoo though because my hair is being awkward and no conditioner seems to like it much either

What's the best make up counter to go to if I want someone to tell me what colours will compliment my colourings?

Enid 👑👑👑
I’m tempted by the atoderm - does it make the shower slippery? I’ve nearly fallen a few times skidding on shower oils.

I didn’t buy any advent calendars, I was looking at M&S, amazon and look fantastic but I’m trying to declutter and it sounded to me (I looked at some unboxing spoilers on YouTube) like there was too much stuff I’d use once, hang on to ‘just in case’ and eventually end up binning.

Mint I’m no help with that I’m sorry as I buy pretty much everything on line. I’ve got to know pretty well what colours suit me over the years and although I still make the odd mistake (TO foundation) I don’t typically need to go to a counter. Which is lucky as I hate in person shopping and much prefer to buy from the comfort of my sofa