🐌 Fantastic Skincare: Heatwave, schmeatwave, we've got our trusty SPF50 and are donning wide brimmed hats

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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.

I am very slowly working on consolidating the gathered information from previous threads into easier to read formats but it’s slow going. 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

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?

NEW SERIES:

So You Want To Buy A Retinoid - A Guide

JULY 2018: Sorry, terrible title, I haven't been keeping up but I assume Dr.Sam’s new cleanser will have some fans on here.

Sophie try writing on their IG page. Bet you'll get a response then!

Having said that, I had an issue with some BB make up packaging (highlighter - top broke rendering it useless). I bought it at the Caroline Hirons/Sali Hughes event at Selfridges months ago. It broke at first use (or was already faulty). Selfridges were no help. BB were no help. In the end I wrote a third message on a BB post on IG tagging CH and SH by way of confirming the event at which I purchased. Within an hour Sali had kindly responded to me on the thread to say she would get involved. Three days later I had received a replacement by post.

Nice to see you, Bo. :)

JULY, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

ROUTINE hahaha "routine" ;)

AM

Eucerin Dermatoclean cleansing gel
The Ordinary Niacinamide + zinc
Basiron 5% bensoyl peroxide
Estelle & Thild BioDefense Antioxidative Day Cream OR just sunscreen (because JESUS THE HEAT AND SWEAT AND OIL): Cosrx Aloe sunscreen or one of the three different ones I have from Swedish brand ACO ranging from spf 20-50, I like none of them very much though bloody hell and moan.
BB cream from Missha
Occasional use: The Ordinary vitamin C in HA

PM
Regular use:
Mizon Kings Berry Oil cleanser - it works, but I'm not so keen, it stings my eyes. Got it on offer, won't RP unless super offer again. A big bottle, so it lasts and lasts.
Eucerin Dermatoclean cleansing gel with konjac sponge
The Ordinary Niacinamide + zinc
Same moisturiser as above or one of the two of the pharmacy's own brand I bought in this pharmacy in Trogir

Irregularly I'll use Beauté Pacifique Super 3 exfoliator or (don't laugh) one of those thick black gluey blackhead removing masks, a Korean brand with a pig on the front ... I've gotten a bit desperate this summer. I like that it dries and pulls off, less faffing with rinsing. The BP one is very good, but strong.

I also have Beauté Pacifiques vitamin A super 3 booster which I like a lot. If I use that I don't need moisturiser. I have to say though I don't like it as much in the summer.
I'm also working my way through two retinol/retinoid products from The Ordinary, one of them is the squalane one.

EMPTIES:

I've finished the cleansing gel above and RP, it's a solid one and easily available but not that sexy. Happy to switch if something else cheap and low pH comes my way.
Have also finished and RP the niacinamide, and previously the vitamin C from TO. The niacinamide is a solid one for me. I see a difference in my pores quite fast. Not sure about the VC. Might not be my product at all. I don't know if it's the texture that's putting me off though.

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:

Nothing particulary new, see above.

PLANNED PURCHASES:

Seriously considering buying P50 when I run out of the BP exfoliator, for ease of use among other things.

SPECIAL MENTION:

Erm see above, niacinamide. Also - the konjac sponge! Great little yoke.

Bani, are you purposefully trying to raise my low BP

It worked

Thanks @Tsmummy08. Defo ordering that next, once I've finished all of my Face Theory, which could take a while!! DE is a bit out of my price range.

Watched Dr Sam's video and decided to try not washing it off with my flannel. I think I go overboard and end up scrubbing, which defeats the object of my chemical exfoliators!! So this morning, no flannel but I'm curious to see if the the Dr Sam's still makes my skin feel clean tonight after a day with sunscreen and my oiliness. The real test will be tomorrow when I wear makeup....will report back!

But my nose was SO BAD and I wasn't able to shift it no matter what and it WAS better afterwards HONEST.

I just had a fecking skincare reluctant epiphany today, btw. I posted the other day about how my skin wasn't as bad as I thought bla bla, and today it hit me. Because of The Heat I have actually been drinking ludicrous amounts of water. Could it really be that drinking 3 litres a day helps???

JULY, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

ROUTINE

AM
Dr. Sams Flawless Cleanser
GOW Eye Contour Serum
GOW 10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Vichy mineral 89 (occasionally)
Avene Tolerance Emulsion
Ultrasun face30 or spf50

PM
DHC Cleansing Oil
Dr Sams Flawless Cleanser
Paulas Choice 2% BHA liquid (only on non Tret nights)
GOW Eye Contour Serum
Timeless Q10 Serum
Avene Tolerance Extreme Cream or Avene Skin recovery cream
Wed & Sun wait 30mins then use Tretinoin 0.025%

EMPTIES:
Paulas Choice 1% clinical retinol, I used 2 bottles of this and really enjoyed it. Surprised how well my skin tolerated it, especially as reviews I’d read said it was fairly harsh. I managed to build up to every night without issue. Would’ve repurchased but now moved onto tretinoin.

Not strictly an empty but had to give up on Timeless Vit c e Ferulic as it was causing major breakouts. I persevered for 7 weeks but it was getting worse. All vitamin c serums I’ve tried do this, some it takes longer than others so shan’t try anymore.

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:

GOW Eye contour serum - I’ve been using this since early June. Really enjoy using it and I’m definitely seeing results. Will RP although I think there’s still at least half left so good value.

Obagi Tretinoin 0.025% - I did 4 weeks at once a week and I’m now on my 3rd week of twice a week. No reactions so far.

GOW azelaic Acid 10% - much more pleasant to use than skinoren which I found difficult under sunscreen and makeup.

PLANNED PURCHASES:

None at the moment, have backups of my staples so shouldn’t need anything! Famous last words....

*SPECIAL MENTION:

Special mention has to go to the GOW eye serum. Really really enjoying this

@PickledHoneybuzzard I haven't ordered the GOW vit c yet, I'm kind of a bit put off now regarding the packaging. The GOW niacinamide bottle has been fine, that's a pump bottle.

As mentioned up thread, it's the Face Theory dropper bottle that would open by itself over the course of the day, no matter how tight I closed it!! The Medik8 dropper bottles are much better quality.

Welcome back @Bo

Sorryviolet I should have asked that question of tsmummy but useful to hear that the Medik8 packaging is good, thinking about exploring their products, thankyou.

Pickled Yes the GOW vit C packaging isn't the best - it pumps out more than I need and is a bit "spurty" for want of a better word, but any excess goes onto my decollete, which is looking very middle-aged!

Bo I'm the proud of owner of little sperm brows currently using rapid brow

It was working albeit very slowly - quite a few hairs grew at the tops, not much action with the tails - but then I had the bright idea of dying my brows and they did look longer, as I had actually sprouted some very fine hairs on the tails which the dye made more noticeable. But I've only been using it sporadically the last few weeks due to travel and the little growth I had seems to have now disappeared.

I'm going to try and be more consistent with it, and I'm also due to re-dye which might 'find' the hairs again. I'm reluctant to try revitabrow as revitalash was the one that caused hairs to sprout at under my eyes/top of my cheekbones

JULY, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES*

ROUTINE
Reminder- early 40s oily skin.

AM cosrx low pH good morning cleanser. Been using for months, brilliant.
DE Vit C followed by SPF- either Biore uv bright milk- love it - or LRP anthelios dry touch gel cream if in stronger sun. Using up frezyderm but wouldn’t repurchase. I think it’s slightly clogging on the skin and stings my eyes if it’s even remotely sunny. No moisturiser needed over the summer.

PM DHC cleansing oil followed by LRP toleriane hydrating gentle cleanser. Approx 5 nights a week medik 8 crystal retinal 10, P50w the other 2 nights. LRP toleriane double repair moisturiser.

EMPTIES:
LRP double repair moisturiser. DH bought in US and stocked up for me. I really like this. Oil free and has niacinamide so good for the pores.

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:
DE Vit C. Another US purchase. So far so good. Not too sticky and sinks in nicely. I’ve just been using a few weeks but I’m happy with it.
Medik 8 retinal. I went for the higher strength of this as I’d been using differin. No irritation whatsoever. Lovely texture although a slightly weird orange colour but at least you can initially see where you’re putting it.

Endocare cellpro intensive eye contour. Eye cream purchased after a facial. Spanish make. Seems fine but a bit of a whim purchase as I didn’t check out reviews etc before buying.

PLANNED PURCHASES:
None!

SPECIAL MENTION:
Overall I’m pretty happy with my skin. I think texture and pore size is improved and probably reflective of a number of factors but I’m very happy with Vit C, retinoid and niacinamide in my routine as I think they’re three key ingredients for me to manage my skin type. (SPF as well of course )

JULY, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

ROUTINE

Still pretty basic for me at the moment, I'm late 40s with oily skin

AM
NIOD Sanskrit sarponins face wash (yes it's still going strong not even half empty yet)
Vichy thermal water spray
Vichy mineral 89
Frezyderm tinted spf 50

PM
Hylamide oil cleanser (found an unopened one in my stash so using up)
LRP toleriane hydrating cleanser
Paula's choice BHA 2% (every other night)
Vichy thermal water spray
Vichy mineral 89

EMPTIES:
Vichy thermal water spray, Vichy mineral 89 - love both and repurchased
Active formulas Vit c - finished ages ago, not RP or used any Vit c for a while now and not noticed any difference in my skin so not sure whether to bother continuing the hunt for one that works but doesn't irritate
Una Brennan cleansing oil, did it's job fine, no irritation but wasn't keen on the smell. Not likely to RP, will probably try DHC or Simple when I've used up the hylamide one.
Frezyderm spf 50 - love it, RP but in the tinted version which I love even more and doubles as a foundation

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL
Frezyderm spf 50 tinted, absolutely love it, primer, spf and foundation in one, it's brilliant. Slight criticism is I could do with it being slightly darker to match my skin tone but it's fine with bronzer over the top.

Not skincare and I've had them a while now but don't think I've updated here on my hourglass purchases.
Absolutely love the ambient lighting palette, I use as bronzer, contour, highlighter and eyeshadows. I've never got to grips with contouring before but you seriously cannot go wrong with this, it's lovely and subtle and the highlighter isn't too shimmery.
The Veil powder is ok, it's a good mattifier and doesn't look chalky or too pale on me but it's a bit messy and I'm not keen on the dispenser. I think I prefer the dim light shade in the palette and will likely buy one in full size rather than getting another veil.
Also got the blusher in magenta, I like it but it doesn't show up much on me, fine for work/daytime but not special enough to RP given the price

PLANNED PURCHASES:
Nothing right now, I'm away quite a bit again in the next couple of weeks so will probably re-assess my routine towards the end of the month and decide what I want/need to add back in for winter

SPECIAL MENTION:
Vichy mineral 89 - I've got very fond of this, it's not sticky and sinks in well, gives my skin a fresh look and I definitely notice a difference in my skin when I don't use it.
Frezyderm ❤️
LRP toleriane hydrating cleanser - leaves my skin feeling clean but not stripped, doesn't irritate my eyes, and no film on my skin
Bioderma atoderm SOS moisturising spray for itchy skin. Love, love, love it. So quick and easy to use, sinks in well, gets rid of dry and itchy patches & great for legs after shaving.

Very good to see you bo

I really rate rapidbrow but you do have to be consistent with it. If anyone ever buys it from an actual shop, rather than online, give the box a shake to make sure there's a tube in there. Shoplifters sneak them out then put the seemingly sealed boxes back. I've bought an empty box a couple of times. Easy to take back and swop but easier to check first.

Excuse me not catching up properly yet and for the non-skincare question. Has anyone used Nailpolishdirect? Is it ok? They're selling nail envy on there super cheap and I need some more but it's suspiciously cheap (half price) Thank you 😘

enid I’m sure I’ve used nail polish direct maybe a year or so ago with no problems.
I forgot to add Vichy thermal water into my routine, which I’m still using after cleansing but sallie you reminded me when I read your routine. Always good to read the monthly round ups. Thanks bo for kicking us off again.

Thanks JD. I've ordered some. 💅🏻

JULY, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

ROUTINE

AM
Flannel and water or Murad anti blemish face wash
Vichy thermal water spray
Nivea Q10 plus anti wrinkle eye cream
Frezyderm SPF 30

PM
Dr Sam's Flawless cleanser
or
EH Balm followed by Murad anti blemish face wash
or
just Bioderma micellar water
Vichy thermal water spray
Paula's choice BHA 2% once a week
Goldfaden MD Wake up call
or
Origins Ginzeng gel moistuiser.

EMPTIES
Vichy thermal water spray

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL
Paulas Choice 1% clinical retinol - I didn't like this at all, it just made my skin a bit less smooth.

PLANNED PURCHASES
I have already purchased but not yet used Differin 0.1%

SPECIAL MENTION

I love every item that I am using at the moment and find they all bring something beneficial to my skin. I haven't worn makeup for days which is a first for me so I'm really chuffed with my routine.

I'm enjoying reading about everyone's routines. I won't do mine as a) it's changed and b) I'm on hols so only have phone (now in Biscarosse on west coast of France).

I'm actually wondering if my spots is due to not bringing my Cosrx morning cleanser with me. I am not using an am cleanser on this trip. I wish I had bought it. I love my routine and miss my actives too. But it's hard on a 2 week roadtrip in 30-35 degree weather.

Routine *not changed

Also I'd like to find sth with a higher niacinamide in it. I don't think I toleratedbthe Dr Traub very well. Any recommendations?

Thanks Bo. That makes sense. I'm now up to every other night with my tret but I have the acne issue to resolve.
And thanks for the P50 info. I do recall reading about PHAs a while ago but has forgotten they exist.

Unfortunately I'm not on instagram Pupsie - I assume that's why IG stands for. Perhaps will ask one of my friends to post a comment for me.

I will see if I can post my routine later but really it's very boring and the same as all the previous months so don't think it makes for very interesting reading!

Thanks for having me back, all

Am enjoying catching up with all the routines. JDSTER, had been wondering how you were getting on with the Medik8 Retinal, much impressed with going in at full strength, are you finding it comparable in terms of results as the Differin or is more/less effective?

Thanks Sallie, I thought it was you with the sperm brows but didn't want to mis-sperm brow anyone by accident it doesn't help that I always turn it into sperm whale brows in my mind which is a completely different look. Think I'll be steering clear of Revita brows , I'd so be that person to sprout hairs in weird places, that already happens without any hair growth serums

Also thanks, Enid and Pupsie, for the input on Rapid brow. Consistency shouldn't be an issue for me but IIRC, Enid, you mentioned that effects were only maintained with the continued use of the product so it's a long-term commitment. How long do the tubes last you?

bani, the drinking a lot thing is a bit of nonsense and not. It won't cure you of dehydration in the skin but drinking plenty of water is good for your health and good health = good skin so there's that. I don't know, I drink quite a lot of water daily, 5 liters minimum, which is probably bordering on excessive but I don't notice much difference when I drink less than that. On holidays I only managed 2.5 - 3l some days as it's harder to get enough in when you're out and about all day, I didn't notice much difference in my skin, did drop down a size, worryingly, which I assume was just water weight as I was drinking less than normal and it was over 35C. My skin may very well have gone to shit if I continued on in that way but it didn't have an immediate effect.

Dr. Troub was 10% Nia IIRC, Pupsie? What are you using with Nia now? I thought you were using Cerave PM, possibly? That would be 4-5% and there isn't much in between those concentrations, so it would be layering another product with it AM or PM? Do you want it for brightening or pore size?

Is there a Sephora near your holiday spot? I think I saw CosRx there in France, although possibly it was in one of the department stores. I saw a lot You could get your cleanser from there if you really miss it and in terms of Nia the overnight nourishing night mask may be of interest. It's very well loved and considering your love of the cleanser and birch lotion I think you'll like this too.

Yes that was the Nia Bo. I want it for pore size. I need to order some of the morning cleanser so will take a look at the overnight mask too. Thanks!

bo I'm honestly not sure. I do tend to go overboard with it sometimes so it goes down quicker than it should. I would guess it lasts 2 months applying it once in the evening and using a normal amount.

I think if it regrows hair that was once there, then that hair will stay once it's stopped. The thickness and length of the hair will go back to their usual state which might make them look less full. I haven't been without it for a year or two now so I can't really remember but that seems to make sense.

pupsie sorry you’re missing your cosrx morning cleanser. I’ve taken mine away with me recently as I’m finding it invaluable in this hot and sweaty weather. bo I’ve had no dryness or irritation whatsoever from the medik 8 crystal retinal. I did get dryness using differin but that was in cooler weather so tricky to compare that aspect. My skin does look more refined somehow and I’m not entirely sure whether it’s related to the medik 8. I am pleased with it. It goes on beautifully and I do wake up looking well rested the next day come to think of it . As I suggested, I think it’s just generally the combination of products that are helping. A couple of people have commented my skin looks good which is nice.

Bo sorry to be a nuisance but there seem to be loads of Cosrx overnight masks. Can you please give me any more info? (Hope it's not a snail one!).