🐌 Fantastic Skincare: Happy Snail Year, Bring Spoons!

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Thread 1 Thread 2 Thread 3 Thread 4 Thread 5 Thread 6 Thread 7 Thread 8 Thread 9 Thread 10

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?

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.

_

JANUARY 2018: Thread 11! we're getting old. A recap of The Snailies categories for those still meaning to get round to them:

🐌🐌 THE SNAILIES 2017 🐌🐌

The Well Hello There - newest and latest find that gets your motor running

The Flusher- money spent on this product would have been better put to use by flushing it down the toilet

The Jack & Rose- the product you’ll never let go of because there’s plenty of fucking space for the two of you on that piece of wood. Damn you, James Cameron, for breaking my poor little tween heart.

The LTB- it all seemed so promising, everything was going so great, then they turned out to be a narcissist gaslighting bastard

The Child Prodigy- that one product that’s annoyingly good and isn’t afraid to be smug about it

The Worker Bee- never the centre of attention but has been steadily chugging along like no other

The Troll- the one where you repeatedly asked, ‘Is this doing anything?’, but continued to use it anyway…

The Flabbergaster- that one product or technique that wasn’t really supposed to be used like that or delivered well beyond your non-existent expectations

The Sinner- oh, admit it because we’re all guilty of it, what did you do or use that wasn’t all that sensible like take an acid bath and had the disastrous results you really knew to expect

Yes Tsmummy it's the DE Hydra Gel. DE are coming to the UK soon, but going into Space N.K. (so will be £££ and will probably still get my DH to purchase that and the Vit C when in the US).

I might PM you; I'm into weight training too (although I am recovering from surgery atm. I'm in a couple of groups but they've got so big, and are mostly for general fitness. So it's hard to keep up/not always relevant.

General question: how do others apply their tinted moisturiser? Hands, blender or brush?

Thanks.

Eyes feeling a bit sore and itchy now, have used the eye cream 3 times now (last night, this morn and again just now) think this is a sign it's not right for me :-(. Will return and exchange for one of my other products

Thanks user. Is the nude touch one more of a primer feel than Biore brightening? I'm thinking I should be knocking silicone heavy primers on the head too!

Tsmummy I love that nuxe lip balm too.

TS Mini fridge

Tinted moisturiser I just use fingers to apply. Blender for foundation.

Which eye cream did you try Mint? I'm on the hunt for one again, I need to start a spreadsheet with who has used/recommended/not recommended what.

Love the sound of the beer fridge TS

JDSTER the bioderma nude touch feels more like an oil free lightweight foundation, it's tinted though and only comes in two colours, I'm lucky as the 'golden' shade is a good match for my lovely yellow skin, but I think Bo tried the lighter shade and didn't find the colour great for her, I can't remember If you're pale skinned or not though.

I have been using powder as I have to set my foundation and concealer, it'll all just slide off otherwise. I'm using up an Urban Decay mattifying one, but it's pretty old now and could probably do with replacing for hygiene reasons if nothing else. I doubt the Armani powder is magical, I suspect Dr Emma just likes the texture / appearance better?! Not sure - will ask about powder when I'm back in 3 months!

Notes were from her secretary - I get a routine emailed over, and after a consultation where we've made any tweaks, she'll send an updated one through.

Foundation wise I was already using one of the ones she recommended (Lancome Teint Miracle - SH used it on me when she my makeup for my wedding and gave me the bottle to keep, and I've been buying it ever since - and NARS creamy concealer), I used to really like a very siliconey primer but she wasn't a fan - if nothing else because after moisturiser and SPF it would be another layer on top before foundation.

Just copied and pasted the makeup bit from the routine notes:

Cosmetics for blemish-prone skin

^Look for make-up which is non-comedogenic - use Vichy Dermablend Foundation Stick as a concealer to cover anything up. This can be used alone on no foundation days, and works well on areas of redness too.

For foundation/base:

• Lancome Teint Miracle or Teint Visionnaire
• Francois Nars Tinted Moisturiser, Radiant Creamy Concealer, or Sheer Glow
• Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
• Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua
• Burberry Bright Glow Foundation

I find a light base applied with a Beauty Blender sponge works well – then conceal with ‘proper’ coverage using Dermablend Foundation Stick or Nars Creamy Concealer.

Avoid powder, where possible, especially around the lower face and chin. Matte surfaces don’t allow light to ‘pop’ off the skin. Try blotting papers instead (I like MAC and Screenface). If powder is a must, try Armani Luminous Silk Powder.^

Yes Userallusedup, there is so much one can learn from these threads. I have worked my way through this thread and just finished reading the first thread. Only another 9 to go

This thread in itself is also really fast moving...

I should add that what bo says about powder definitely rings true for me. It does make my skin look dull and seems to sit in any pores or fine lines, so it might set my makeup to try and manage the shine, but I don't think it does my skin any favours in terms of general appearance

Very interesting banana, thanks for sharing them. Even tiny tweaks here and there to whatever we're used to doing/using can make a big difference.

I use the Hourglass vanish stick (which sounds like a laundry cleaner) as a concealer sonetimes. It was far too heavy and drying as a foundation but works quite well on redness or flat blemishes. Don't think I'll ever buy it again but good to find a use for it as it was pricey

You are all lovely btw.

User it was the Vichy liftactive eye and lash one

I keep forgetting about good products I have languishing away on shelves etc banana you have just reminded me about my Vichy dermablend foundation which I have in opal and nude because they mix into the perfect colour for me
ha and guess what I just looked them up online as you do and they have brought out a new colour, which yes you've guessed it, is a shade slap bang in the middle ie the one I've been trying to achieve >>slaps palm to forehead

Thanks for sharing banana that’s so helpful.

sophie I hope you’ve got plenty of time on your hands

Thanks user for spf info. I think there’s the tendency to not use enough SPF if it’s tinted (for me anyway) so I’ll stick with Biore for now.

Pupsie I had a feeling you were into weights, happy to chat anytime... and that's the trouble with FB groups when they grow too large sometimes (like the oft-mentioned Glossy lot), but they can be useful when there's a particular issue that interests me. And sometimes I get sucked into the depths of an internet rabbit hole, which can be equally fun....

Hmm method of applying tinted-moisturiser depends on the product - Bareminerals I use fingers, Laura Mercier/IT CC I use a buffer brush as they're drier/thicker formulations. That probably makes no sense, it's such a personal thing!

Enid this is a pretty lovely group of people... it must be fairly unusual for a thread to be going on this long. I was reading the last few pages thinking, "God, was it a year ago that Hairmageddon happened?!!" Thank you to everyone :)

Yes indeed some top tips banana 👍

Thanks Mint I have quite sensitive eyes so will give that one a miss.

Thank you for sharing the Dr Emma info Bananafish glowy/dewy foundations really don't suit me, I look greasy and sweaty almost immediately. I might look into the dermablend as a concealer though, I'm doing similar to Enid and using up a Tarte foundation stick which was too heavy on it's own as a concealer. I'll also ease up on the mattifying powder, I've got a cc powder from IT cosmetics which isn't matte/drying so I'll try and use that more instead.

Hairmageddon

Weighing in on the powder debate - I pretty much can't and don't do any powder, unless I wanted to do a particularly good and precise spot/scar cover up then I would set it with a tiny amount. Powder does dreadful things to me - instantly ageing, never find the right shade (though suspect t leclerc banane might work), pores look massive then I start to flake. I can't even wear any kind of base above the eyebrows anyway, max I do there is a little bronzer as for some reason my forehead skin is ultra sensitive and reacts badly to make up full stop. I do have oily skin but frankly have learned to love a bit of natural sheen/gleam as I look younger.
On the tinted moisturiser/primer scenario - as stated, can't do silicone primers but I will prep skin if I'm applying make up more than a couple of hours after skincare. So previously a light sheen of moisturiser, given 10 mins to absorb, but lately really liking bioderma hydrabio mist for this as it seems slightly oily and find base then sits nicely on top with 'grabbing' or sinking in.
enid I'm currently using lush 'big' too, but find a tiny tiny amount goes a long way and liking it.
olli skin looking fab!
To those who've shared about body dysmorphia, thanks. It's really interesting to get an insight and I recognise some tendencies.
Still loving TO serum base.
Also experimenting with subtle brow filling, thanks to those who offered their input. Did a proper reshape too rather than just twiddling off the strays.
On a BHA note, I'd concluded it wasn't very helpful for me (poss the silicone in the PC one) but I tried it again on a patch of grubby looking pores at the side of my face in front of my ears...promptly developed matching huge hard lumps under the skin. Not painful like a cystic spot but god knows what...think this is further evidence BHA is not for me, unless that's the exfoliation process bring the crap to the surface rather efficiently...hmm...scratches head.

I've been upgraded from faux expert to Goddess now I must be residing on Mt. Olympus though as I'm clearly flawed, and plenty of tragedy about considering I too was a victim of Hairmageddon. I have vowed to call for an appointment tomorrow, yesterday was the first time that after washing my hair it's noticeably out of shape, it's grown long enough now so even if the worst will happen I think I'll survive it.

Interesting thoughts on the powder debate. It's kind of one thing I've always been a bit confused about. My mother indoctrinated me that base makeup was evil and an insult to your skin, because it would ruin it. I think that was a preconception that lived for quite some time but it's been largely discredited but derms still tend to discourage it and have more of an 'allowance' for it because they understand the psychological impact of troubled skin. I am wondering if there's more to it now, and it's one of those things that's never been properly researched in science terms (not like the cosmetic industry is going to fund that). Dr. Sam's explanation of it being like an occlusive makes sense, but the use of the word 'think' is an out of character one for her, she's therefore not saying it with any evidence, possibly? She also now has me wondering about setting sprays, as that would enhance the further occlusive properties of the powder and are probably somewhat occlusive themselves.

I was a bit surprised to see Chanel VLA and Armani LS on the recommended foundations list. They're both fragranced and whilst I was always able to wear those as a one-off, worn consecutively it would really irritate my skin.

I'm wondering if the Armani powder may just be more effective at mattifying (rather than setting) than other powders, ergo you need less which would be preferable from a skin management perspective?

WRT silicones, they come in many forms and quality grades. IME I avoid them as much as possible in skincare, especially if it's one of the first few ingredients. It's also important to me how they're utilised, so as a texture enhancer like in base makeup, some moisturisers, SPF, etc. they're generally well tolerated. However, as a stand in for traditional occlusives (like oils), more often seen in very cheap skincare, it's more problematic. That's specific to me, as mentioned before my skin is not a fan of a lot of occlusive-ness, and products like that usually utilise silicones for cost-benefit rather than its inherent properties. There's a lot of research that silicone products are actually quite beneficial to rosacea sufferers as the condition creates a rather unique condition wrt open pores that never fill.

Sophie, our skin does sound similar. I'd call mine run of the mill mildly sensitive, it's finicky but others have a far harder go at it. Less is more in general and I have to exercise a lot of patience, I'm still staring at the marks left behind by a bad product reaction (a moisturiser, my eternal nemesis) from end of December. They're nearly gone but I'll be ridiculously happy only having to use concealer around my eyes again.

I can't leave sweat hanging about for too long either, I tend to carry around Bioderma's version of Serozinc (less chalky) when exercising as it soothes instantly.

mint, I was thinking about your BHA wash, and perhaps hacking it is easier, so during those times of the month you could use BHA on a cotton pad in the AM before cleansing, quick wipe on the areas most affected (I'm assuming it's just the T-zone, possibly around the mouth), then cleansing as normal. It's a comparable effect and you'd have the extra benefit of using it in a targeted manner.

Tsn has reminded me I'm so not a Goddess, or at the very least a forgetful one as I never put up the empties form for the month of January . In my defense I was in Paris at the time, that counts for something, right? I think I only finished a sunscreen last month, since it's nearly the end of this short month, I figure we wait till then with it?

Eye creams for just normal, I want something 'nice' recs, are generally:

Bioderma Sensibio Eye Gel - HA and Caffeine, depuffs a bit and adds hydration, quite light and budget friendly.

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado - a really 'comfy' cream, richer but not clogging or heavy like traditional eye creams can be.

La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra Eye Contour - sort of sits between the two above, gel-cream like. Similar soothing properties for sensitive skin from Niacinamide as in the whole Toleriane range and utilising Squalane as its primary moisturiser (does contain Shea Butter as well).

Oh that's a good idea bo thank you! Do I still use it on a damp cotton pad then too? And how often?

Also what is that bioderma version of serozinc? And do you spray it on top of make up anytime u have been sweating? Then pat dry??

If you've not built up to using it without a damp cotton then probably best to stick to that for now, mint. You could probably do every other day but best to start with 2-3x a week at first.

The Bioderma is the Bioderma Hydrabio Brume (not the SPF one, which I do like also for topping up in the summer in a pinch). I use it when exercising, first thing in the morning so basically bare-faced, I tend to just blot off and then spray.

Ollie! Botox!! Must read thread properly, looking forward to hearing how it goes...

Mint, I get the dotty thing too with foundation. I apply using a brush, but also a stippling brush over the areas prone to it, and I try and pat it all well in.

I still get it sometimes though ....

Anyway, I actually popped in, as I recently got an epilator for my hairy neck (PCOS the joys) and it is working really well, but it does leave me prone to spots and ingrown hairs. Not enough to render it unusable, but enough to be annoying me. Any tips for avoiding? I bought Enid's beloved cicaplast today btw!

And secondly, @yongnian - have dermatitis on my eyelids too, but never had it before. Can I ask what you use on them? Think it was caused by either nyx shadow sticks or garner sensitive (hah) eye make up remover... sigh

I still use TO. Am using regularly

The old 2% retinoid (not sure this does much but afraid to stop)
The old 23% vitamin c - mixed in with
The resveratrol & ferulic acid (2 drops) - I like this combo. See no reason to change it.

I also have the niacinamide but don't use it regularly, only if a bit greasy and then only on the affected areas. It is v drying on me.

I didn't like the alpha arbutin , it has a whitening effect.

Have one of their primers, awful, sends my face bright red and leaves it like that for hours.

The matrixyl had no noticeable effect.

Have switched over to NIOD a bit. Using their CAIS2 (strong, makes a noticeable difference) and love their RE:pigment.

Didn't realise there was a deciem kerfuffle but thought some of Brandon's IG posts were a bit intense recently. But that platform is nearly unusable now with all the blooming ads and repetitive feed so I'm not on it much anymore.

Thanks bo and if I did that in the am then I don't use it on the same pm right?

Hi ladies,
I’m still reading the old threads. I saw Enid had written this in thread 2 and I think it applies to me too:”I think I’m a student of the skincare nerds rather than a fully fledged nerd. I have my pencils sharpened and neatly laid out ready to make more notes.”

Thread 2 also had a useful guide to hope much to use of different types of products (serums, moisturiser etc) plus a lovely photo of Ollivander with gorgeous red curls!

Bo I so know what you mean about wanting to go back to just putting concealer around the eyes! I recall a dermatologist once telling me that it can take 6 months for scars from spots (especially picked ones in my case) to fade. Thanks for the list of eye creams too - jotted those down in case I decide to try something new in the future.

I know the advice is to wash the face after the shower but yesterday I found all my sun cream ran into my (sensitive) eyes while I was washing my hair. Wasn’t pleasant. So I washed my face before the shower today and then put the layer of thermal water and moisturiser on afterwards. Worked much better.

I’m confused about one thing: I’m thinking the spots i get on my chest. I know sweat makes them worse but wondering if perhaps an ingredient in my body cream is also causing issues. I see recommendations in the old threads for Eucerin Body Lotion (10% urea and 10% LA) - is that for general use or for more specific problem areas like the knees and elbows (I thought the latter because of the LA but not sure....). Otherwise is there a reasonably priced body cream that people recommend? I get through so much (am very religious about applying it after every shower) that I don’t want to be spending a fortune on a high-end brand. thank you

Hope you all look lovely after your haircuts, by the way