🐌 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

Tant, are you taunting me? My skin is getting upset on your behalf with all that product.

Mint, really hard to say, I wouldn't know which ones train in colouring that specifically go beyond hair/eye colour. Mac obviously have the warm/cool tone going on but they often get it wrong. So depends if you mean undertones and base or if you want things to suit the obvious colouring like hair, eyes, etc. Laura Mercier is good at that, as is Bobbi Brown. Chanel is usually good but almost everything contains fragrance. Kiko is pretty good, staff varies a bit but as a base line they're surprisingly helpful despite they themselves rarely wearing things I'd like. The rest are more a mixed bag IME.

Oh Bo I had forgotten I had used the acid peel when I applied the azailic acid, however I was immediately reminded of the fact by the burning sensation that ensued

Fortunately my skin this morning has calmed down, is more forgiving and feeling lovely and smooth, and my spots are drying out so all is good

I want to know about eyeshadows, eyeliners, and lip colours. I'm terrible at knowing what suits me etc probably because of my body dismorphia so I need someone to tell me what looks good on me

Trying to think where I would go mint
I suggest MAC actually because when I popped in there once to buy a single dark brown eyeshadow she suggested I try a slightly different shade and she was bang on and I use it all the time, most days infact.

Plus you can book a slot with them to do your make up and get the correct colours to suit you, no idea if its free or if you have to pay but its an excellent place to start.

I was going to say to avoid Mac. I think they vary depending where you live though. My suggestions would be Bobbi B or Chanel. (Be prepared for them trying things on you whilst you're there and giving you a handheld mirror to have a look as they go along. Just in case you're having a wobbly day.)

I had some unpleasant drama last night so not much sleep. My face looks puffy.

Omg. DREAMS not drama. 🙄

User forgot to answer. The shower oil foams up a bit so no slipperiness. I use an ordinary body wash (dove) first and the oil right at the end just before I get out.

Yes I think it does depend where you live tbh, we have a MAC shop here with lots of what appear to be knowledable staff. No Bobbi Brown shop or counter here, I was going to suggest a Chanel counter actually but it depends who's working on it that day. Lancome can be great and if you have a large Boots or department store like Debenhams then browse the counters and see who you feel most comfortable with at doing your make up.

I like Lancôme makeup 💄

Thanks Enid I’ve ordered, I normally use a tea tree soap but my kegs have been a bit itchy and flaky recently.

Legs not kegs I like a drink but not to that extent

Thanks Enid and tant I agree that Mac can be a bit hit and miss depending on who you see, some of the girls I make up counters (not just mac) are absolutely useless and do not have a clue. It's so frustrating because as I've said before I'm actually a qualified therapist and can tell others what colours to go for (I recently got a friend to try an eyeshadow she would never dream of and she loved it and bought it) it's just because of my dismorphia I just cannot do it for myself. However I remembered I do actually like Lancôme for make up and managed to get myself a lippie that I really like and despite me having pigmented lips still looks like a very subtle nude/pink on me (my other half told me it looks like I'm not even wearing anything, 😏🙄) and I think I've decided I like natural colour eyeshadow on me too, something that just makes eyes look brighter, I found Mac grain eyeshadow in my makeup bag so have used that today and quite like it.

My friend calls knickers kegs user You definitely don't want itchy kegs!

I have lots of small, under the skin, skin coloured bumps on my forehead. In other places too but mainly forehead. As I don't have a fringe anymore I just hide it so does anyone have any suggestions please?

I'm wondering if it's the sacred LRP toleriane moisturiser causing some congestion. Is there a very similar product minus whatever could be causing it? Bit lost as it's not an issue I've had before.

My whole face seems to have congestion but never found a chemical exfoliator that doesn't cause a break out two days later. Salicylic acid is definitely off the table, as is glycolic.

I'll start by trying the Kiehl's night refining micro peel again but any advice greatly appreciated.

*I can't just hide it

That sort of leaves lactic, lactobionic (did you ever manage to try the P50W in the end?), malic, mandelic, and hydroxyethyl urea. I'd see if the Kiehl's is any help first though.

I didn't get the p50w in the end. I'll look up all of those. Lactic acid is standing out for some reason.

Which moisturiser was being suggested as an alternative to the toleriane on a previous thread? Memory is pants.

Thank you bo

A couple of ppl on The Ordinary Group have been raving about the Stratia Gold and all the other products in the range. Has anyone tried them?

I might save up and get some next year when I've run out of my current products (which are all in pretty big jars/pots!)

Banivani bought the Stratia LG for her daughter IIRC?

The annoying thing is it comes from the US, the LG is on the borderline of taxes owed/not owed depending on the exchange rate. Over here, everything from the US gets checked whereas Asia it's much more random, so realistically I can only order one item at a time from them with relatively high shipping and possible extra taxes. It's a shame because she's great help on the DIY skincare Reddit and used to run a really good blog as the Acid Queen. Although maybe with miffy's (or was it someone else) forwarding service it's more doable.

I'm crap at moisturisers, Enid, think the Bioderma Tolerance+ and Eucerin UltraSensitive were the alternate picks.

*Eucerin UltraSensitive for normal to combination skin that should be, the other one has Shea in it.

All this central heating is drying my skin out, my under eyes are super crepey. Am slathering on all sorts at the moment, mainly my neutrogena hydro boost which is comin into its own in this climate.

enid I personally would probably mix up a mask from my fullers earth powder and slap it on my forehead to draw out the toxins, I might add a few drops of lactic acid in the mix or just rub some in first ??

am visualising Bo holding her hands up in abject horror, so maybe wait to see what Bo thinks of that plan

I tried a new product this morning on my hair which I am loving it is 'Wonder balm' by Percy and Reed. It's been on my 'to try shelf' for ages, I was planning to finally try out my philip Kingsley Elasticiser but could not be arsed to wet my hair first, apply, leave for 20 mins, then wash my hair etc so I thought I'd finally give the wonder balm a go.

Its fab, its given my hair volume and bounce after blow drying my hair upside down and made it look more sleek and looked after (my fine straight hair is quite long at the moment but needs a huge dollop of oompf)
Now I just need to see how long the effect lasts. I did follow it with some drops of Percy and reed no oil volumising oil and the wonder balm definitely helps that take better effect.

Enid have you tried the eucerin one that bo recommended to me?

The Eucerin Ultrasensitive one Mint? Think I'll give that a try, thank you Bo. Anything that draws things out usually results in breakouts for months for me Tant so I'm cautious but I'll look into that thank you.

Tant The P&R Wonder balm has been on my list for a while, keep picking it up and putting it back but you've convinced me.

Forgot a product on my end of month list. The Keratase nectar thermique. Heat protecting leave in conditioner basically. Had it unopened and unused for a very long time, glad I found it again as I really like it. Think it'll last a long time but might repurchase once I run out. Gives smoother ends and adds shine.

Enid no the 5% urea one?

Bo my boots (which is a big branch) doesn't seem to stock the avene extremely gentle cleanser anymore, instead they have a few new cleansers it seems (all fragranced!) I wonder if it's being discontinued