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🐌 Fantastic Skincare: We're So Drunk We're Seeing Elephants 🐘

991 replies

botemp · 11/10/2018 14:10

Thread 1 Thread 2 Thread 3 Thread 4 Thread 5 Thread 6 Thread 7 Thread 8 Thread 9 Thread 10
Thread 11 Thread 12 Thread 13 Thread 14 Thread 15 Thread 16

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

WRT to The Ordinary/Deciem:

Most of us had long since stopped using it, partially due to the inconsistency of formulations and the worrying behaviour of the CEO on Social Media.

For more info on the latter, overview here

A good overview of alternatives is here

Since that compilation, other brands like the Inkey, Revolution Skincare, QRXLabs, and Alex Steinherr x Primark have launched with similar products/concepts.

From the limited experience on here, the Vitamin C 23% and Azelaic Acid from Garden of Wisdom (at Victoria’s Health) is well liked and much preferred over TO versions.

OCTOBER 2018: In other news, we’re two years old this month! We’re so old- Drunk Elephant is finally available in the UK, but all this celebration is probably overshadowed by the fear that our beloved LRP Toleriane Fluide may have been discontinued Sad

OP posts:
Thread gallery
27
SallieSallow · 25/12/2018 11:43

Merry Christmas everyone 🎄❤️

JDSTER · 25/12/2018 18:12

Merry Christmas from an overstuffed JDSTER Xmas Blush

cad186 · 25/12/2018 23:25

Merry Christmas everyone! I had an Hourglass palette so I'm looking forward to using that! Did anyone get any nice make up/skincare for Christmas?

SallieSallow · 26/12/2018 11:44

Which palette did you get Cad? I have two hourglass ones and love them.

I didn’t get any presents as we have a no gifts for adults ‘rule’ - which I’m more than happy with as I have way too much stuff as it is.

I was overstuffed yesterday too, way too much baileys and chocolate Xmas Blush

cad186 · 26/12/2018 11:53

I had the ambient lighting edit volume 4. I also had a too faced eyeshadow palette (natural eyes) and the charlotte tilbury flawless filter so I did well! All new stuff so I'm looking forward to trying them all out!

SallieSallow · 26/12/2018 12:23

Ooh I’ve got the volume 4 - absolutely love it ❤️

You did do well - I’d be up for exchanging gifts if I got stuff like that, I usually ended up with lots of shower gels and body lotions that I couldn’t use as they made me itchy.

BabyPigeon83 · 26/12/2018 13:43

I just received an email from cult beauty that the new DE 1% retinol moisturiser is available now. I had a quick look on Space NK and it's available there too. Also they have this new small cute pouch with those cleanser bars in travel size, juju and peekee (I think).
I really want the ambient light volume 4 and I was hoping for an offer, but it seems very unlikely.

I hope everyone had a nice Christmas, I'm battling some bad cold for over a week now, I could not be bothered with anything.

miffy2 · 26/12/2018 21:39

Hi everyone!
I am sitting here stuffed to the gills with food and tea :)

Skincare-wise I have not been experimenting much these days except to add a few new items in.
I bought myself some skincare presents as I knew nobody else would dare!
From Cult Beauty I took advantage of an expiring code and got Zelens recovery balm after using a few samples. It is divine, and I use it after retinol or if my skin is feeling sensitized due to cold weather. Also Josh Rosebrook's hydrator (nice, very nice) and Inkey list caffeine eye serum. Have only been using that for a week now, so too early to tell if it is working. It is certainly not drying out the under-eye area which is good.

I also placed an order for some more Jordan Samuel skincare - more hydrating serum and as they had some kits reduced I also got the performance cream and a cleanser, as well as more of their amazing facecloths (they are the best I have tried).

Makeup wise I am holding out for the charlotte tilbury pillow talk eyeshadow quad which should be available again mid-January.

That is it for now, I will do an updated routine post soon as I am very happy with what I have going on. The only issue is I am not getting enough acid toning - I am going to have to incorporate it into my PM routine somehow.

Ollivander84 · 26/12/2018 21:50

I've ordered aromatherapy associates mini oils from liberty, reduced to £28 from £40
Desperately after ABH sultry palette but not reduced anywhere Sad

My skin is v happy, Paula's choice BHA has changed it massively

miffy2 · 26/12/2018 21:55

Current routine:

AM:
Cleanse: Image Vital C cleanser (using up)
Tone: Pixi rose tonic
Spritz: Jordan Samuel
Vitamin C/HA: Mix of Maelove C serum and Jordan Samuel hydrating serum
Cream: Belif Moisture Bomb or Dr Jart Ceramidin, depending on weather
Eyes: Olay ultimate eyes, also trialling Inkey List caffeine
SPF: TBS spf50 mostly - occasionally Clinique city block 40 if not going out or not wearing makeup

PM:
1st cleanse: Hada Labo cleansing oil OR Pixi C Hirons duo OR Farmacy Green Clean balm
2nd cleanse: Image Vital C OR Pixi C Hirons duo OR Dermalogica essential cleansing solution
Spritz: Pyunkang Yul or Josh Rosebrook (new)
Eyes: Inkey List caffeine
followed by one of the following:

  1. Neostrata NAG retinol and a hydrating cream (Cerave PM or M&S sleep cream)
  2. Fresh Black tea mask (a splurge in Chicago a few weeks ago) 3)Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA and a hydrating cream

My only issue is I have lots of acid toners on the go (Farmacy, REN, P50) and not sure how to incorporate with the above routine, don't want to over-exfoliate either. If the Farmacy honeymoon glow x2/x3 per week is enough exfoliation, so be it, but I don't want to waste the others.

EMPTIES:
dr jart ceramidin cream - love this, have already repurchased
kiehls midnight recovery eye cream - liked this, can't say it helped the eye area much so won't repurchase for now, unless things get worse now I have stopped using it!!
Sam bunting cleanser - an OK cleanser, but I found the packaging terrible, I struggled to get the last 20% out. It also was not enough as a single cleanser for me (makeup and SPF every day) Won't repurchase.
DE C firma - yes, will always like this, will always have one in rotation, budget permitting
DE Protini - I really liked this BUT have recently read about it promoting hair growth and on inspection I seem to have had a lot more hair growth around my temples and ears...eek. Will have to investigate further!

PLANNED PURCHASES
I am not planning on buying anything new skincare-wise for the foreseeable...(she says with good intentions). I have a voucher I am saving for a charlotte tilbury palette (see above post); other than that I have a big stash to shop from!

Pupsiecola · 26/12/2018 23:01

Pupsiecola

Protini = hair fuzz?!?!?! Say whaaaaat?! 😧

I got some Clarins hand cream from MIL. I have ordered a 5 pad sample of some Dr Dennis Grossman peel pads. That's about it. I'm having a facial tmrw. Not had one in years as would rather spend on product, but we had Xmas at home vs our usual ski trip so I fancied a relaxing treat.

TheBaltictriangle · 27/12/2018 08:50

Elemis has £10 off any purchase if you use the code xmas10. I've just bought a fancy face wash for £11.50 instead of £21.50.

lightningstrikes · 27/12/2018 10:26

@TheBaltictriangle Thank you! Have ordered some cleanser and a free marine cream travel size! I have been using their pro-collagen over night matrix which has been really nice - I'm waking up with fresh looking skin rather than creased pillow face. I'll have to think hard about replacing it when my sample sizes run out - it's pricey!

Skinsosoftandblemishfree · 27/12/2018 11:32

I only discovered this thread at the weekend but the damaged skin barrier factsheet is a lifesaver already: thank you botemp.

I am following the routine to the letter after an allergic reaction which resulted in severe swelling, eye fluid retention and then all of my skin flaking off. I am using the thermo water after the cleanser and again before the Eucerin. My face looks a little red this morning: is this normal oh wise ones?

I went into local SpaceNK this morning but only the larger ones stock the Drunk Elephant brand so no hot off the production line retinol for me x

Skinfulnappies46 · 27/12/2018 12:20

Lost the thread on my feed yesterday! Went back 7 pages and it was gone. Thanks to Bo I have found you all again. Hope you all had a lovely Christmas. Plenty of drama in our house as usual but we are all used to it! Lots of lovely things and have the hourglass volume 4 coming and the DE retinol . Looking forward to trying them both. How do you use the Hourglass powders?? 🙉

Skinfulnappies46 · 27/12/2018 12:23

Just noticed this on my email feed www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/deals-hunter/2018/08/dont-get-duped-by-beauty-dupes/

LaurieFairyCake · 27/12/2018 12:30

Can someone recommend a retinol with a higher concentration than 2.5%

I've been using Viola skin 2.5% with no sensitivity - skin looks amazing so bought second bottle

But now want something even higher percentage?

I also want an everyday spf but a 'proper' moisturiser not a suncream as I don't want too many 'steps' as then my foundation 'pills'

So I want for steps:

  1. Retinol
  2. SPF moisturiser
  3. Primer and foundation mixed together (got that sorted with becca illuminating plus any foundation (got dozens)

Hoping you gurus can helpGrin

Lumene · 27/12/2018 13:12

Thanks skinful . This also looks interesting:

www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/deals-hunter/2018/05/free-make-up-and-skincare-rewards-for-recycling/

Will be interested to see any recommendations for a properly moisturising SPF strong and good enough to use with retinol if they exist.

I tried boots no 7 which was good but made my skin shiny and have just bought LRP to try.

Laurie I know Sam Bunting and Dr Dray both have recommendations if you check their you tube. Sam Bunting is good for choices that work with makeup.

botemp · 27/12/2018 13:29

Laurie, Retinol percentages are essentially meaningless on OTC cosmetics as it goes through a conversion process to get to the active ingredient. Many are also hindered further by packaging and encapsulation. The Retinol guide linked in the OP has all the info and product recommendations. I sincerely doubt you were actually using 2.5% Retinol as for one it's not legal and you had no sensitivity at all, most experienced retinol users struggle quite a bit with an actual 1% retinol formulation. I'd never rec any retinol over 1% as it will be marketing nonsense and not reflective of actual strength at all.

There's no comparable moisturiser in terms of broad spectrum protection when it comes to moisturiser with SPF (SPF only refers to UVB protection, for anti ageing purposes you want both UVA and UVB protection). If you want to skip a step just cut out moisturiser and use just a sunscreen. Tsn had two good moisturising/hydrating recs for dry skin from Japan, just can't recall exactly which ones I think one was from Nivea the other Sun Killer?

OP posts:
LaurieFairyCake · 27/12/2018 13:36

Thank you for the skincare spf recommendations both of you Smile

This is the 2.5% retinol I've been using. Made a massive difference to my skin. Had a tiny bit of sensitivity for a couple of days after a facial but been using it for 2 months now with no ill effects.

I'm very surprised you're saying it's NOT 2.5%. Seems really clear from the blurb - hope I've captured all of the blurb in the photos.

I will go for an acid peel next then and stop searching for a stronger retinol

🐌 Fantastic Skincare: We're So Drunk We're Seeing Elephants 🐘
🐌 Fantastic Skincare: We're So Drunk We're Seeing Elephants 🐘
🐌 Fantastic Skincare: We're So Drunk We're Seeing Elephants 🐘
BabyPigeon83 · 27/12/2018 19:11

I'm a bit dubious about this 2.5% retinol serum, for one it's appears to be very cheap for such a high retinol concentration (but I assume it's not 2.5% at all). And I can't seem to find where it's produced and who these people are, the "about us" section on the violaskin webpage lists only some reviews from customers. There is something odd about the website and I can't put my finger on what it is: violaskin.com/ .
Does anybody know where this brand is from and where the products are manufactured?

Pupsiecola · 27/12/2018 19:35

Has anyone had a peel? My local salon offers Medik8 peels, and microneedling. I'm not saying I'd try either. I just wondered if anyone has tried a peel.

Lumene · 27/12/2018 21:23

Botemp thank you so much for the factsheets btw they are so helpful.

Can anyone recommend a cosmetic dermatologist in London? I think I may have rosacea, have always had spotty/oily skin and am now seeing increasing signs of ageing.

I’d really like to have decent skin for a while before it all goes to pot! Am looking for someone who can confirm what the redness/spots/dry and oiliness is (rosacea or general crap skin), so I make sure I get to a good actives skincare routine.

Am currently using cleanser, moisturiser, SPF and have dabbled in some chemical exfoliation but want to be sure I have no underlying conditions and am not doing more harm than good!

BabyPigeon83 · 27/12/2018 22:00

Lumene I recently started fallowing Dr. Sarah Tonks on youtube and she has a clinic in London: thelovelyclinic.co.uk/about/dr-sarah-tonks/
I never been to see her because I'm nowhere near London but she is qualified and seems nice.

DMarewankers · 28/12/2018 03:36

Hi there
Ive been lurking for a while but still can’t make any sense of skincare ingredients!
I was wondering if anyone uses anything from facetheory? I would like to try REGENACALM PRO with 3% Encapsulated retinol but the reviews seem to good to be true.
I’m definitely at the stage where I need serious skincare now, I’m 38 and getting mild crows feet and forehead lines.
Can anyone recommend a cheapish/mid priced retinol please? Around £20-30?

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