🐌 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

JDSTER I'm very pale so I don't think the lightness of the milk would be too much of an issue, unless it gives the ghost white out effect that some sun creams do?

I've also just noticed I have an unused Body Shop voucher in my purse- upthread botemps mentioned that they do an spf in the same style as the Japanese-do you know how that is for shinyness?

I work and exercise indoors so the 'commuter' type ones would be fine for me as an everyday product, with a separate waterproof one for outdoors/summer.

botemp thank you.....I am currently down the rabbit hole that is the youtube channel of Dr Dray! Learning loads, having fun and drinking tea while I watch her shop in Walgreens, CVS et al. (Wishing I was there)

Silver I’ve used the Anthelios spf and the biore brightening spf (pink tube) shown in JDSTER’s photo and my review is the same as her’s, I’m also oily but with quite sallow, yellow toned skin and the biore isn’t too white on me. I spend very little time outside during the work week, so the indoor/commuting type SPFs are fine for me. I love the bioderma nude touch spf 50 but it’s tinted and only comes in 2 shades, I was lucky that the doré (medium) shade is perfect for me but it’s not going to be a match if you’re pale, I think Bo found even the lighter shade was too dark for her.

I’m no help with London JDSTER I go sometimes for work but steer clear of the shops as I don’t cope well in crowds, the tubes stress me out enough. And the one and only time I ventured into Liberty I fainted

Isn't the Banana Republic shop now Arket, or have I made that up? Anyhow Arket may be worth a visit if that's your thing, and apparently a few doors down a new Polish chain opened up a week after Arket that's set to be the next H&M/ZARA/Uniqlo. Sorry, forgot the name but they did a colab with Kate Moss which doesn't really narrow it down since she's everywhere but it's very close to Arket supposedly. Have heard there are quite a few AB shops in and around China town as well. For the rest I'm guessing you have access to Cos and &Other Stories already. Think Weekday newly opened in London as well, which surprised me as I assumed it had long settled there already, may have a bit of a youthful vibe but I like them for basics although everything is a bit oversized.

Speaking of mascara, I had been meaning to try out the L'oreal Paradise one but was shocked at the price at €15 for a drugstore brand. I did end up getting another viral/hyped up mascara to keep the sheep status alive, the Essence Fairy Princess one that's supposedly sold out now. The jury is still out for me, it's not terrible but it does migrate down, even between two layers of tubing mascara. I don't get insanely long lashes either but they do look nice with a bit of work, it then reminds me of Chanel's inimitable intense but I like that better and that requires no work. The essence one is also very wet but supposedly they dry out quickly so I guess there will be a two week period to look forward to where it'll be perfect...

silver absolutely not ghostly white, as I say absorbs nicely but on initial application you might be a bit when you very first apply. I've never tried body shop one. I'd say go for a Biore one. They're inexpensive and take a few weeks to arrive so you could always try BS one in the meantime and decide which one you prefer. It's all trial and error.

miffy/Bo I was watching a bit of Dr Dray last night. Her videos are very long so I skipped through a bit. She seems to really rate differin both as an acne treatment and as a retinoid, over and above cosmetic retinoids interestingly. I would love to have a trip to US and spend hours in Walgreens etc. Before having the kids I went a few times and stocked up on cetaphil, which wasn't available in the U.K. back then.

In other news, which is absolutely not S&B, my daughter has some weird tummy bug which has been hanging around since Tuesday and I wish it would just piss off!

botemp - I have both the essence one and the L'Oréal

Bo have you tried the Mac extended play giga black mascara? I really like it, it gives really good length and brush is really slim so good for grabbing small corner lashes too.

This is hands down the best mascara I have ever bought, and I have tried so many. I have never bought anything from EA before.

www.lookfantastic.com/elizabeth-arden-beautiful-color-maximum-volume-mascara-duo-set/11461811.html

Will go for the Biore milk and then have a nose at Body Shop when next in store.

What kind of price should the Biore be? The prices on eBay and amazon so varied, some seem so cheap?!

eBay- £6.76?

www.ebay.co.uk/i/151881496172

Don't ask me why as I really don't have a good explanation for it but I simply refuse to buy from MAC. I think it's a combination of the overly loud music, the staff, the overly bright lighting, the cheap and unoriginal counter design, and the prices they charge. Eh, I think. I just instinctively don't want to buy from them .

Sheepie Olli, how are you liking those two? Did see they had a two for one on mascaras in one of the shops, so I guess I could get two paradise ones but being somewhat disappointed in the Essence (I have the light green one btw) in terms of living up to the hype, how does that one come in?

I'm not sure but I think Dr. Dray has a personality, possibly on the spectrum, though it may just be her training as a scientis, that's rather absolutist. So anything unregulated like cosmetic retinoids will never beat out the scientifically backed prescription stuff which Differin used to fall under. It's not necessarily based on experience, personal or otherwise, she sticks to the science and doesn't stray much beyond that. No bartering in the grey areas so to speak, which comprises much of skincare these days. It's refreshing and a bit of a let down at the same time as it narrows down 'good' skincare to a very small class of products.

Essence I find clumps easily, gives length but not much volume
I like the paradise one, more volume and doesn't ever smudge under eyes. Seems to dry out fast though and goes clumpy when it does

Thanks Olli, that doesn't really sound like spending €15 on. With it, I think I should just call my 'let's economise on mascara experiment to make up for the Chantecaille expenditure' to an end. It always ends up costing me more than just going out and buying a high end one. Think I might fancy getting the Chanel inimitable one again although Eyeko brought out a new one too in a blue tube, that's been on my list for a bit too.

I did prefer the paradise, and if it was on offer again I would get it. It's probably the closest to a HG mascara I've found! But the essence does for every day, can't complain at the price

Oooh, just popping in to say hello. I'm new to all this skin care business, but have recently found TO and am now tying to educate myself to Chemistry A level standard. I'm 49 and my skin has never been good, hormonal acne, with rosacea, although this got a lot better with using LRP Effeclar products. I've now dropped the toner and added in Niacinamide in the mornings, with some Argireline for my forehead lunes, followed by Rose Hip oil. In the evenings I've added in either Retinol A, Vit C or Aha/Bha 2% peeling, followed by the Rose Hip oil again. I was also using a Nip/Fab HA, which I loved, but am not loving TO one, unless maybe I just don't like it with Niacinamide? I've been doing this about a week and have definitely seen improvements on skin tone, less redness etc, but a do have a hormonal lump on my chin (it is a week before my period so maybe I would have had that anyway or maybe it is purging??)

Looking to get some good SPF now, (not been out of the house in a week as post operative recovery time). Think I'll end up getting a LRP Anthelios one unless anyone has any other suggestions?

Right, now going back to read through all the related threads and learn some abbreviations.....I may be some time....

silver they are inexpensive. Just buy from Japan from a seller with a good rating and will be fine- there's always a bit of variation between sellers and price.
bo thanks for reminders about other stores in London to try. &other stories I don't have access to,other than online obviously but it's nice to do RL shopping.

Fab- thanks!

Yes I get my biore from Amazon, it’s £6ish but does take a couple of weeks to arrive.

Just watched the Dr Dray video about differin, I’ve not started using the OTC one I got yet but now that I’ve identified what was causing my skin to itch and had a decent break from the TO 1% ret, I’m going to start introducing it. Interesting that she says to use a moisturiser first, everything else I’ve watched/read (including the leaflet it came with) says apply to clean, dry skin that’s free from other products.

user the video I watched she was using OTC differin gel. Yes I saw that about using a moisturiser first with some technical explanation why but not heard it elsewhere, as you say. I don't!

Happy 🐌 aversary!
Think I've been wartching for about 9 months now. My skin has most definitely improved especially the redness I had been plagued with around my nose.

The most definitive thing for me has been cleansing gently out of the shower using either TBS chamomile butter or the lush one followed by Avene extremely gentle cleanser.

I also must add my love for Rosehip oil..currently The Pai one. I use this most evenings.

I have liked other products but the gentle double cleansing out of the shower has been the game changer for me.

Thank you so much to everyone!🥂

Hello everyone, can I ask you all what you think of the new Lancome Genifique Sensitive? I got a sample of it Friday have used it Fri, Sat and today, so far I'm really liking it so fingers crossed it'll continue to be ok for my skin.

A bit about me, I'm 28 and super pale usually the lightest shade in all foundations or they are too dark for me. Diagnosed with Rosacea early last year, mostly flushing (touch wood) but do get some P&Ps. I use Cerave Hydrating Cleanser and Trilogy Vital moisturising cream. Acid toners don't seem to agree with me at all so once every 10 days I use clarins Gentle exfoliater. If I exfoliate more than that I can get weird texture bumps appear. My skin gets dry pretty easily too. A lot of normal toners make my skin sore so I don't even bother trying them anymore, I've also tried clarins Gentle toner in the white bottle and Paula's Choice 1% BHA redness relief (I think that's what it's called) The PC absolutely destroyed my skin for about 2-3 weeks last year, I ended up absolutely covered in textured bumps everywhere and my skin is generally smooth unless I get a few p&ps

Sorry forgot to add that I use Coola spf30 mineral sun cream too

Welcome Utah! By the time you've caught up I guess you'll notice we're all a bit the ordinaried out here. Plenty of SPF chat on here, I think most are now on Japanese SPFs. Anthelios is a good one but not really liked all that much on here in practice, especially the combo/oily crowd struggles with it.

JDSTER, just saw on the Guardian that they've opened up this new Japanese food hall in London that sounds all sorts of amazing if that would be of any interest to you for your upcoming visit.

The moisturiser before Differin is a form of buffering I assume, allowing the skin to build up tolerance with minimal irritation. It sounds like a smart strategy to me if you're just starting on it.

🥂 All these stories of improvement warms my otherwise rather cold heart, it's so nice to hear how everyone has been helping each other along here.

Welcome to you too, Thin! The genefique doesn't look awful in terms of the type of ingredients used and if you ignore the price but it does annoy me that a product marketed for sensitive skin contains fragrance. Something I'd avoid at all costs if I had rosacea. Do also keep in mind that at 28 you have no need for an arsenal of such ingredients. I'd question the need for exfoliation in the general at that age too but once a fortnight is about the recommendation if you have sensitive/reactive skin. I've never tried the Clarins one due to several irritants but understand it is a bit full on. I think you would probably benefit from getting some form of hydration into your routine to tackle dryness and associated flaking which is probably what has you reaching for an exfoliator, hyaluronic acid or similar, have you tried any in the past?

Thanks for the welcome Bo I haven't tried any Hyaluronic Acid, any recommendation for my skin type. I was a little hesitant about the fragrance in the Genifique too but the first time I tried it I was flushed and there was no stinging whatsoever on application and a lot of products sting when flushed. I don't even think it smells like it's fragranced either because it smells a bit like yeast to me, I'd have thought the fragrance would be in to try to cover the yeast smell? Do you think the product could have a negative effect long term at 28? could it make my skin worse If I was to get used to it then stop using? So far I'm loving it, every morning since the day after I started using it I've woken up with nice calm skin, no redness in sight. Could be because it's my TOTM and usually my skin is a little calmer when I'm on my pill break but it's very rare I go this many days in a row where my skin is calm first thing. I really hope it's down to the serum. I still have quite a bit of the sample left and I am seriously thinking about buying a bottle Wednesday if my skin is still liking it. I dont even care about the price if it keeps my skin like this 😂 the lady at the lancome counter said that the bottle can only be open for 2 months because of the ingredients and it might be that after 2 months I might not feel like I need to purchase another bottle right away if it sorts my skin out.

For a 28yr old in general not necessarily but it does contain papain and pineapple extracts which are fruit acid exfoliators and not something I'd urge anyone with sensitive/reactive skin to be using on the daily. The yeast is the Bifida which can be nice to some (my skin reacts really well to it but it does nothing for some) and it's not dissimilar to a hydrating serum. It's basically what makes the Estee Lauder advanced night repair so famous, though there's definitely good alternatives from Asia to that who have been on the fermented ingredients train for a lot longer.

Hmmm so could the ANR possibly do a similar thing for my skin as I've never tried it? I remember reading something a while ago about a dupe for the ANR, is it by Missha?