What is ONE beauty/skincare item that has literally changed your life?

[optimisticpessimist01]

I’m in a bit of a makeup and skincare rut and I think I need fewer items that are holy grails

What is one item that has changed your life? It can be makeup or skincare!

Thank you in advance!

Microfibre cleaning cloths. They have totally changed my acne prone skin. No one believes I have cystic acne on my neck. Nothing my gp prescribed made a difference but cloths and warm water cuts through makeup with no effort at all. U

Jacksback

You need to start with the lowest percentage (if you aren't using any now). It's also possible that your skin may not be able to take that everyday or even every other day. Slowly increase the frequency. When you feel that you're 100% comfortable and retinised go to the next higher product.

I myself would not use the granactive. The research is imo less convincing than for the 'normal' retinol. (but they're both cosmoceuticals... So yeah)

I got a prescription after I've been using a 1% retinol for about a year pretty much everyday. (I say pretty much because my derm does recommend pauses after about 2 months.)

Anyway. That's my experience / opinion about retinol.
be careful around your eye, mouth and neck.

(And you obviously need to be able to commit to wearing sunscreen everyday. A sufficient amount, reapplication etc...)

I currently can't use it (pregnant) but retinol is so worth it imo...

Thanks jemima and craving cheese Fir the fast updates
Busy googling now

Mine is a bit prosaic - Simple light hydrating moisturiser. Have used it for decades - while adult life. There was a worrying time around 20 years ago when they looked to be in a bit of trouble but pulled through. I’d be lost without it.

WhyDoesMyMamLiveInMyMirror, can you link to the cloths? Has it helped your neckne? I have the same thing.

Sorry, I was off reading the jacket saga! I just bought the twin pack in Asda ( the cleaning aisle) I’ve also got some from Morrison’s and the pound shop as well as primark (I’ve gone a bit mad)
The thing is, they’re nothing special, just microfibre cleaning clothes 85p for 2. I don’t get ANY cysts on my neck anymore. I tend to get one hormonal nasty once a month that clears up in a couple of days, I can’t tell you how different this is. I’m 43 and have run the gamut of antibiotics and creams from the gp but a microfibre cloth does what nothing else could. I make a point of using a clean one every day and leave them in a tub in the bathroom to put in the wash once a week with towels so it’s not even a faff on

Another vote for retin-A, I use tretinoin (prescription) but I'm in the US so my doctor just prescribes it.

Also vaseline all over my face as the final step in my skincare routine at night, after my cleanse, tone, oil, moisturiser etc, and not long before bed. Really supes up my skincare.

A fairly mild benzoyl peroxide face wash from the GP which has significantly improved hormonal acne, meaning I no longer compulsively pick at my skin.

Retin A gel that was prescribed by a dermatologist for my severe cystic acne . After 3 weeks New spots stopped appearing and the old ones started to dry up and flake away .

I'm useless with skincare.

Do you use retinol + rosehip oil or is it either/either 😊

Double cleansing
With cleanse off mitt by skin nerd
I use that first then use an oil cleanser also removed with mitt

Retinol is a treatment that will resurface and "fill" lines if it's a good one and used over time. It will take a couple of months to see any difference.
Rosehip oil is a moisturiser and will plump skin. It's recommended for skin that's just starting to age, fine lines etc.

Facial oils are fab, but they're not a one size fits all. If you're dry and wrinkly, rosehip isn't going to cut it You need a richer oil like avocado, argan or something with more anti-ageing ingredients.
If you are going for rosehip, don't bother with a fancy schmancy boxed brand. You can pick up pure rosehip as cheap as chips from Amazon, Holland&Barrett etc

Goes on as final treatment after moisturiser or before depending on if your moisturiser is oil or water based.

Emma Hardie moringa cleansing balm.

I have other holy-grail products too (great oils and I also find a light retinoid does wonders) but if it’s just ONE product the balm is it!

Smooths, deep cleanses and gives a fresh glow. Amazing stuff.

Could someone please explain the Vaseline method and how/why it works, what it does please?! Eye bag and redness sufferer here.

Bare minerals original powder foundation would have to be mine (so far!). Followed by Aldi's Lacura CC cream & rose facial oil.

I don't think any product can change your life! BUT as you ask, what I like, I love Olay Regenerist 3 Point. I used to spend £45 on Clinique and now get Olay from Amazon for around £12.

I use it morning and night. I'd also give a big plug for Clinique City Block used daily for 30 years and I have no wrinkles at all and very little pigmentation.

BUT I also believe good skin comes from within so eat your salmon and avocados lots of times every week!

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish.

Great concealer! Covered myself for years in cakey thick face powder just to hide some redness around my nose. Was used to it because I had horrible acne in the past. Found a nice concealer to cover only the bits that need it and saw my skin massively improve.

Less life changing but a great recent find: rice oil, made from remains of brewing sake, intended for cosmetic use. I wake up with fantastic looking skin.

@TheCanterburyWhales thank you for explaining. I'm trying to figure out a skin care regime as my tired skin needs help now I'm 36!

Ps @TheCanterburyWhales my skin is fairly dry, I get red blotches and I have open pores. Any recommendations for an oil? Thank you 😊

Any of the soap and glory products.

4yearsnosleep

I used to swear by hemp oil. But it suddenly wasn't rich enough for me last winter..

I myself have never had an issue with squalane and most people seem to tolerate it fairly well. I do however feel like it doesn't absorb very well (even if I'm dry) so it's more of an evening oil for me. It is also non-comedogenic, which is important for me. (retinol has significantly improved issues with blocked pores... Some of them have come back due to the fact that I can't use it whilst pregnant, but c'est ça🤷🏻‍♀️)

What matters in oils (in my opinion) are the following:

1. Are you allergic?
2. Is it comedogenic?
3. Is it supposed to be good for whatever you are trying to target?
4. Are you happy with the oil's 'performance'? Do, you like how it feels and looks? Do you notice positive or negative changes?

Some of my personal favourites:
Squalane
hemp seed oil (in summer)
Rosehip is a holy grail but only in small dosages (as drops in a cream, other oil etc)
Seabucktthorn oil (mixed with squalane or a cream)

My mother swears by olive, sweet almond and pomegranate oil.

Avocado oil is fairly high on the comedogenic scale. I myself therefore wouldn't use it. My DM however (who has dry skin and simply does not get pimples or clogged pores) probably wouldn't have any issues with it...

But skincare is a very personal thing. Vaseline under my eyes gave me milia (luckily recognised early). But vaseline (well, no, aquaphor) on my lips is absolutely wonderful for me..

Idk if that wall of text was in any way helpful. Sorry.

Sudocream!

This
www.manukadoctor.co.uk/products/replenishing-facial-oil?_pos=3&_sid=aa512f4c1&_ss=r

Doesn’t smell so good on application but wake up looking fresh

Hado Labo hydrating lotion and Elemis cleansing balm.

Can anyone advise - if you use a retinol and therefore sunscreen is necessary, is it enough to wear it in a moisturiser and foundation and NOT reapply? That's what I do usually - I can't see how I could remove makeup and reapply during the day at work! But wouldn't be out much during the day when at work?