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

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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

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

They look interesting Tant, def let us know how you get on.

My skin is raging at me about the amount of sugar I've eaten over the last fortnight. Dehydrated, a faint wrinkle- I've swear I didn't have 2 weeks ago- and two hard sore lumps. Lovely. So today I've eaten lovely fresh things and feel better for it tbh.

(Slightly suspicious that there might have been wheat in MiL's dinner which would explain the spots.)

Giant breakout here. Remind me my skin HATES vitamin C if I ever post about trying a new one

Enid my skin raged before Xmas with the tubs of Haagen Dazs I ate so I learnt my lesson there. I'll let you know how I get on; mind you they are quite small quantities which is fine if I don't get on with them.
I'm currently trying out 'Hyasoft' an instant moisture boost gel which is similar I guess to the Primark Maximum Moisture so something to compare to later.
I'm just about to run out of my serum so I'll start on the Primark Primary Pollution solution products in the am.
I'm also about to run out of my Nivea eye cream which has lasted forever. I have 3 new ones to choose from now

Olli my skin hates Vit C too, it goes delightfully red, pimply and blotchy, nice.

Have either of you had reactions to taking vit C supplements? They cause cystic spots for me so I avoid it now. Never tried a topical vit C product. I'll go easy if I ever do.

Ah. I'd forgotten about the ice cream too Tant. Chocolate ice cream though...🤤

Enid I've used Vit C dispersible tablets in the past and Berocca and never had a reaction other than neon green wee with the Berocca, a rather alarming side effect.

Skin is so funny isn't it! My skin seems fine with vit c but HATES retinol and any acids!

Happy New Year everyone

Has anyone made any skincare or makeup resolutions? Mine are to start using the Nuface gizmo regularly (as promised to Bo ) and stop making impulse purchases, I’m pleased with both my skincare and makeup routines at the moment so have no need to buy more unless something runs out in which case I can either replace or investigate alternatives.

I’ve had issues with Vit c in the past (stinging/itching) but am ok with the medik8 c tetra, but it’s pretty mild compared to others I’d tried. I have a mild allergy (itchy mouth) to fruit so not sure if it’s linked to that or not, I’m fine with Vit c tablets and berocca though, it’s just raw fruit that sets me off.

And I’ve done my Snailies 🐌🐌🐌

The Well Hello There - newest and latest find that gets your motor running
I have two of these - pestle and mortar superstar retinol night oil and medik8 Vit c tetra. I’ve had issues with Vit c and ret in the past but both of these suit me and actually give results with no side effects like itching or peeling etc.
Also an honourable mention for frezyderm SPF 50 both tinted and clear, not using frequently at the moment as back on Bioderma cicabio for winter, but absolutely loved them both during the summer and will definitely be repurchasing.

The Flusher- money spent on this product would have been better put to use by flushing it down the toilet
Vichy Vit c. Made me itchy and has to be used within a month of opening so works out pretty expensive.

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.
Hourglass ambient lighting palette and now the edit 4 palette. Absolutely love these and between the two they are pretty much all I use now as can use them as powder, bronzer, blusher and eyeshadow. Makes getting ready and packing for travel so much quicker and easier too.
Also my beloved IT cosmetics cc cream.

The LTB- it all seemed so promising, everything was going so great, then they turned out to be a narcissist gaslighting bastard
Don’t think I’ve got anything in this category either this year. I have finally chucked out the never ending tube of NIOD Sanskrit sarpons cleanser. It was ok but annoyed me with all the mystic, magical claptrap when it’s just a very bog standard cleanser.

The Child Prodigy- that one product that’s annoyingly good and isn’t afraid to be smug about it
I suppose the hourglass palettes will have to go here too, much as I love them they are pretty smug which is reflected in the price as well. Worth it IMO though.

The Worker Bee- never the centre of attention but has been steadily chugging along like no other
LRP toleriane hydrating cleanser, cerave PM, Bioderma atoderm shower oil and itchy skin spray moisturiser.

The Troll- the one where you repeatedly asked, ‘Is this doing anything?’, but continued to use it anyway…
Vitamin c - most recently the Vichy one but all and any I’ve tried usually fall into this category for me, though think I might have finally cracked it with the medik8.

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
Again I’d say the medik8 Vit c, was expecting the usual itching or irritation and/or no results but I’ve had no issues at all and think my skin looks fresher and less dull and sallow since I’ve been using it.
Was also pleasantly surprised by vita liberata body blur in the summer - gave me a nice healthy glow without looking and like obvious fake tan and best of all has no nasty pong.

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
Don’t think I’ve got anything in this category this year, must be getting sensible in my old age!

SallieSallow do you have hay fever at all? There’s an allergy to a certain type of pollen that’s linked to allergies to raw fruit because the proteins in both that trigger the reaction are very similar. It’s really common and could be the reason you get an itchy mouth.

My skincare resolution is to use up the things I have (unless I really don’t get on with it obviously) before I buy anything else. Especially acids, I have so many acid toners/serums that I just use sporadically, I want to use them up one at a time instead of flitting from product to product.

Spuriouser yes I do have hayfever/pollen allergies and I have heard it’s quite common to have the fruit allergy alongside. The fruit thing doesn’t really bother me as I don’t like fruit it tastes really sour/bitter to me and I can never get what people are going on about when they say how lovely and sweet it is. I guess that’s probably part of the allergy though.

SallieSallow ooh interesting, maybe that’s also linked!

That's interesting about fruit Sallie, I get itchy mouth with kiwi and fresh pineapple (I'm fine with tinned tho!) and not a fruit but I also get itchy mouth with the fish skate! 🤔

Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelian which digests proteins, so basically it eats you back. Good as a meat tenderiser in cooking but means a lot of people will get a sore tongue if they eat a lot of it.

*bromelain

I'm going to make an attempt at the Snailies :D

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

I think this has to be the PC 1% Retinol Booster which I recently use as a replacement for the PC Clinical 1% Retinol.
The booster is extremely light, can be combined with anything or used alone and contains a blend of other good things (ceramides, peptides etc ) on top for retinol. I use it every night with no problems.

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

I don't really have that many duds anymore, since I try to research stuff before buying and luckily I had no bad reactions to anything for a while. There was the DE C-Tango eye cream which didn't work for me and now I use it on the face in the morning, so It's not a total waste.

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.

Definitely the PC Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment with 2% BHA. This has been a game changer for me and keeps acne at bay.

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

Nothing comes to mind for this one, only the DE C-Tango eye cream which was a disappointment (considering the price).

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

This sounds like the 10% AHA Skin Revealing Body Lotion from PC. It does wonders for my skin (deals with bumps and dry elbows) but the size could be bigger for the price. I use it up pretty quickly so I tend to stock up when on offer.

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

This is my trusty Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30. I haven't found anything with the same texture and colour and I wear it all year even if it's SPF 30. I try to apply a generous layer and double up with SPF primer and SPF powder in the summer.

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

Not sure because it's a mask so I don't use it daily, but I have a travel size of PC Radiance Renewal Mask. No idea if it does anything but I will use it up because it has nice ingredients. It is a bit sticky so I'ts not pleasant sleeping with it.

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

I did use on the face products meant for the body, with good results: PC Clear Exfolianting Spray with 2% BHA (when the hormonal breakouts were more serious, this exfoliant is a bit stronger than the face ones) and Resist Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment (when I was out of face retinol this was great for night time).

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

Nothing to mention here, these days I'm too cautious to risk damaging my skin. :D

I get a really itchy mouth from pineapple too, it's fine though on my tongue so I just have to pop it straight in.

So I tried out the Micellar Gel from the Primark Alex Steinherr collection. It's a bit weird to use as instructed as I'm used to my Bioderma which is of course liquid. It definitely leaves a residue if you apply to cotton pad and wipe or apply directly on face then wipe. My plan is to use it as a face wash a bit like the Dr Sam Flawless cleanser. It's pretty much the same consistency tbh. I didn't use it to remove make up though, yet.

Ps I watched 'Birdbox' on Netflix. It's really good actually.

I went to Small Non-Scary Primark today, no Alex Steinherr stuff but I’m all sorted for socks and fleecey leggings.

And hopefully I’m safe from being eaten by a pineapple as never have it unless it’s cooked, yes I’m one of those weirdos who likes ham & pineapple pizza

Quite liked Birdbox. Not as much as some people seem to but it was pretty good. I'm desperate for The OA to start again.

Sallie I'm also a Hawaiian pizza lover. No shame.

I watched birdbox recently too and enjoyed it, it's a bit far fetched but I still enjoyed watching it.

I'm even weirder as I have pepperoni and pineapple on my pizza!

Enid is there going to be another OA??

I like Birdbox but I love The Haunting of Hill House way more, one of the best series I watched.
And a big yes to the pepperoni and pineapple combo! I always exchange the ham for pepperoni. =)

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

Olay 7 effects sensitive lotion. A great whack of niacinamide which is a lotion/serum. Definitely a brightening effect and very cheap. And the Avene extreme moisture mask: so rich and lovely.

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

Dr Jart Ceremidium: the smell, the texture, the blocked pores. And the sheet masks. An unnecessary Sephora overspend.

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.

Erborian CC cream clair: just perfect, but I have the skin tone for it. And I only use a tiny amount.

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

Caudalie beauty exlixir: sooo perfumed with essential oils and caused spots. Awful.

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

Eucerin 5% urea cream: both a humectant and light exfoliator. Perfect for winter.

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

Korres Grapeseed Matte SPF 50: so useful and moisturising but matt for T-zone.
Grapeseed oil: an antioxidant and softener at night. Used as a cleanser and after cleansing.

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

The Ordinary Rosehip oil. I kind of like it and feel I should be using a vit A so I use it. Not sure if it is doing anything but it keeps my skin soft, possibly.

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

Glamglow Supermud clearing treatment (white pot): fantastic. Like paintstripper, but fantastic. Pores have gone.

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
Nars Soft Matte concealer; Nars creamy concealer: both so cakey and awful. And Chanel Tan de Soleil. Have been duped by good reviews. All terrible. And I liked them all for a few weeks until i looked in natural light (!)

Mint Yes! Sometimes soonish hopefully. I'm hoping for this month. Homerrrrr! ❤️

Loving everyone's Snailies 🐌 Myst get around to do my list.

Bio Where did you use the Nars creamy concealer? I found it too heavy for under my eyes as it caked after a while but as a brightener on my outer eyes and down nose it works well for me. Wondering if I should have a better look in natural light.