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

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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

A friend has just recommended this to me as a good morning Vit c option, any thoughts?

Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum for Face 20% - With Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin E - 30 ml

Ingredients:
Deionized Aqua (Water), Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (Botanical Hyaluronic Acid), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Carbomer, (2s)-2-Amino-5-guanidinopentanoic Acid, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Phenoxyethanol, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin, d-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Organic Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola Extract), Organic Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail Plant Extract), Organic Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium Extract), Organic Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion Extract).

Love the eyebrows olli. How much were they charging? They really do look fab .

£380 I think

I stopped taking omega 3 ages ago as I suspected it was causing cystic spots but wasn't sure. Skin pretty clear atm so took a one two nights ago. 3 cystic spots yesterday. How weird when some people use them to control cystic acne.

Coloured my hair myself this afternoon (😱). Half way through I remembered posting on here after the last box dye job went wrong and vowing never to do it myself again. Too late by then...but I'm pleasantly surprised. It's actually quite nice. Not too dark or too flat, just as good as the last few professional hair colours that I paid £££ for. It's a semi so should fade nicely. Don't get me wrong it's not the best hair colour ever but it's pretty good. Mind you, I've not seen it on daylight yet.

I've definitely found niacinimide is causing my breakouts. Have put it to one side and will see how I get on

Tried the blank canvas brush I recommended further up with a more creamy foundation. Wow. It's so strange, you don't get full coverage but just this nice my skin but better. No sticking to dry spots or caking. I LOVE this brush more than anything else I've tried
Foundation on hand, dab brush in, buff it on and done

Weirdly I was coming on to sing the praises of a foundation brush. Great minds.

I've been using the Real Techniques Expert Face brush this week and it's brilliant. Buffs the foundation in so it's practically invisible but my skin is even and almost airbrushed looking. So impressed with it. And I use less foundation with it.

We sound like we're having a brush off. Amazing how much difference the right tools make though isn't it?

olli enid do the brushes not waste product? I still haven't bought a beauty blender but it's on my to buy list.

Nope, I use v little with mine

I need some help finding a replacement product to use while my usual TO vit C 23% is out of stock.

I've tried one of their other vit C products and don't like it as it pills and bobbles. So I'm looking for a different ingredient that has a similar effect and can ideally fit in my morning routine after cleansing before buffet, HA and moisturiser. But I guess I could swap to pm routine if needed.

Should I go for restveratrol, alpha lipoic acid, alpha arbutin, or something else?
My skin type is slightly dehydrated but oily and prone to spots and blackheads. Also pregnant so no retinoids.

I’m listening out for Vit. C ideas too, as the TO 30% one makes me itchy. I may go back to the 23% one but I’d ideally prefer a lightweight, watery serum similar to Deciem hylamide in consistency.

So far I’ve got melano cc and the one I posted about upthread on my list but more opinions & options are very welcome I don’t want to pay too much (ideally £20 or under) in case it doesn’t suit or makes me itchy. I’m mildly allergic to citrus fruit (itchy mouth and throat) so I’m wondering if there’s a chance I could be allergic to vit c in skincare as well. I was ok on TO 23% and fine with 30% for a few weeks, then the itching started

I’ve yet to find a foundation brush that works as well as my beauty blender, though I’ve never tried blank canvas. But I think a lot depends on your skin and what makeup you use, I find the ‘bounce/press/roll’ of the BB seems to fill my pores in better than brushes.

JD I'm using far less product with the brush, I think it's because it's easier to blend with it and the finish is better. There is very little left on the actual brush. I was using a RT stippling brush and then a slightly damp beauty blender. I was using more product with that method.

I'm going try my real techniques foundation brushes again then after all the love on here, I have the one that's like a paint brush and another buffer type one (which is the expert face brush, just googled it ).

I guess now my skins better than when I last used them, be interesting to see how I get on with them. And now winter is coming I need more coverage/glow in general.

Although I like my make up to be fairly understated, I didnt have time on Friday to put any on so during lunch at the Southbank when I saw myself in the mirror I was a bit whereas on Saturday when I made time I looked a million times better.

I might see if I can apply my foundation with a brush at 6.45am whilst on the bus to work will let you know

Unfortunately my skin doesn’t like a brush, I have the real techniques expert one but when I use it my skin flares up, it’s the same with any foundation brush. I have to stick to a sponge.

I picked up a real techniques complexion sponge (beauty blender thingy) in tkmaxx today. I’ll give it a go tomorrow, if I remember.

We are getting a new bathroom fitted. Work started this morning. I cleared out the bathroom last night and I was at all my products. I have cupboards and drawers full of stuff as well. Looking forward to rearranging a new bathroom and finding a place for everything.

So I used my real techniques expert brush and my foundation when on like a dream. Mainly I think because my skin is smoother after all the loving care I'm bestowing upon it.
I didn't need to use much foundation and it was a lovely finish.

Do you think the RT expert brush would be equally as good with a tinted moisturiser?

I reckon so. I've tried a brush with v light dropper foundations and cream and both work

I might actually have an end of month round up thingy this for October. I'll post it tomorrow night whilst I'm ignoring the door

Seriously, I usually do the whole pumpkin carving, decorating the front of the house and doling out sweets and mini toys thing but just don't feel like it this year. I'll be either out for dinner or lounging in the bath instead. Sorry neighbourhood kids.

I completely ignore Halloween but don’t have kids and we never seem to get ToTers round here, it’s not very kid centric (lots of apartments and townhouses) so guess they go somewhere with easier pickings

I’m still on a Vit c search, all the ones I like the sound of are a lot of £££ and whilst I’d pay more for something that didn’t irritate and did work, I am reluctant to fork out a lot for something that might be a dud.

User Have you looked at the Active Formulas Vitamin C? It's £12.50 for either 15 or 20%. It's what I've been using for the last year, however I've just got the Drunk Elephant one so will be trialling that for a while :)

We're back home, so I'll do another photo of my other goodies when I finally finish the enormous pile of laundry!

Time for another months round up . Where is the time going? I’ll be out trick or treating tomorrow night, with the kids, just in local neighbourhood with other families. The pumpkin was carved tonight and I roasted the seeds and we ate them earlier- very tasty!
user I’m sure I’ve seen a sample sized bottle of skinceticals Vit c somewhere. I’m quite keen to try a ‘top end’ one but I’ve got a few more TO ones stashed and I’m determined to use some products up first before buying more.

Yep you can sometimes find sample sizes of SC Vit C on eBay - I've bought some myself, can't remember the seller though...

Hi all...

I've been lurking like a Halloween creature. I've just started to get into skincare a bit more seriously after basically abusing my skin for years.

I'm reading all the google docs and watching YT, etc to learn all the basics but I have a bit of an urgent request for help if that's okay?

I have oily/combination skin (more oily than anything), it's not particularly sensitive and I'm looking for a recommended product to clear up some pigmentation from sun spots and previous actual spots. The urgency is that I'm getting married in just over four weeks!

I currently use N&F Extreme Glycolic Fix pads in the evenings followed by ANR, Clarins cleanser and toner in the mornings followed by a sample of EL Daywear I'm using up.

I imagine I might need some kind of serum or Vit C but am currently bamboozled by the choices available...

Also...totally non-urgent but thoughts on EH Maringa cleansing balm? I was eyeing it up after a Caroline Hirons YT vid but have seen on the thread that it didn't suit someone?

Has anyone tried the Caroline Hirons/Pixi double cleanser?