Lone, the improved smoothness is most likely due to the high acid use in your routine, I'm generally not a fan for prolonged periods of time but it's up to you if you wish to continue in that way and I'd definitely caution about even more acid use. There are a few order issues in your routine (rendering some actives useless) but I'm not exactly sure you've written it in order.
Sophie, do you have KP or otherwise rough patches, ingrown hairs, or similar issues on your body? The body can handle a lot more in terms of acid percentages so it's always a good place to use up products that aren't working out for you on the face. It sort of depends where you want to head next, if you're in need of one strong acid to be used occasionally then I'd see how you get on with LG, if you're unsure then continue cautiously with the pads.
WRT acid percentages and pH, it's a science calculation basically, but the lower the pH the more 'free' acids are available, so you really need to know strength and pH to make an estimated guess but your own skin pH plays into it a bit too (acne prone tends to run higher and sensitive skin can be slightly more acidic). More info on the calculations here.
See I feel really bad now knowing you've ended up with an expensive dud, JDSTER 
Don't know if I'd feel right profiteering from that too. Though now we're on the subject of TKMaxx bargains and Sisley, my TKMaxx had loads of Kevyn Aucoin bits marked down really heavily, the base and sculpting powders were all for darker skin tones, the one cream blush was manhandled and a lipstick that didn't feel like my colour... but I ended up picking up The Soft Buff Brush for EUR 9,99, originally 60. It's amazingly good, I've never had a buffer brush that I liked before so never really 'got' them but this one works better than a beauty blender, it virtually looks like I'm not wearing makeup at all even up close, it's a dream pairing with the Sisley concealer but it's also excellent for cream blush and powders. I ran back the next day to get another one as there still was one when I bought it, thankfully still there and also there was a tiny sculpting brush that had really good reviews online for 4,99, haven't tried that one yet though.
Sallie, I'm sure Sallie Sallow would be a great children's book character. She'd bare her teeth at her bullies and tell them 'I'll show you!' and run off to join the circus where she becomes a master sword swallower. Whilst there she befriends the grumpy lion that normally only 'tolerates' the presence of anyone else. Every Friday she'll dermaplane his face with her sword and be the envy of her former tormentors.
Note to self: there is no market for skincare themed children's books.
Lone, WRT TO Niacinamide, we've had very mixed reactions to it. A recent amendment to TO site has explained that to me (and why I won't be reccing any of TO products anymore), they will source different base ingredients for their formulations to keep the cost down which means the formula is never guaranteed to be the same as the last batch. More info on it in the end of this , sorry it's one of those annoying 'tea spilling' channels but aside from the intro music it's not that obnoxious and a pretty good overview of the issues surrounding the company at the moment. Racked has also published a new piece covering the exodus of the CEO and CFO due to firings and resignations.
mint, BHA dissolves oils so it can feel a little taut immediately after. Is it like that for a long time after or just briefly?
I don't know Enid, I don't really aim for better (except where it concerns my health), just best of me but I think a part of that is that I have perfectionist tendencies and know that actually achieving perfection is really boring and somewhat removed from 'human' in a sense, you lose a lot in the process. I think Parisians are quite black and white with what they like, which can be perceived as unapologetically snobbish, quite decisive in a way. They tend to present themselves very much as 'this is what I like', it's taste rather than vanity in a sense. If it's an interesting read will you snap some pics?
Welcome, MrsD! I've suspended the forms as they were making me into a not so friendly person at the rate they were coming in. Just post your plan of attack, timescales, skin issues, etc.
Pupsie the Dr. Jart Ceramidin Cream is usually the Ceramidin product but it's better for compromised skin/very dry. The liquid version is liked by acne/oily skin with compromised skin barriers.