🐌 Fantastic Skincare: Is Everyone Having Botox Without Me? 💉

[botemp]

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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

December 2019: Time for The Snailies way more reliable and better than the MN recommends annual roundup (yes I'm still bitter about them quoting me in isolation and making me sound like a wanker please don't revoke my special image allowance privileges, MNHQ )

Also: Thread 20 in time for 2020!!! Ahem, where are my presents?

Hi there

Things are going quite well with my new skincare routine which I’ve been following now for about 10 weeks. The biggest difference to me is that it’s now a habit to take off my makeup properly and wear sunscreen. I can’t sleep without a proper cleanse and moisturise. Or leave the house without spf. Thanks to this thread!

One thing I wanted to ask about is your opinion of using Vaseline to remove eye makeup? My mum always used it. As did her mum. I thought this was a standard use for Vaseline until I started mentioning it to friends or beauty counter staff in my late 20s. I don’t know anyone else in real life who uses it like I do and can’t understand why people wouldn’t. It’s incredibly effective and doesn’t sting. My mum (late 60s) has very few wrinkles around her eyes and an otherwise simple skincare routine.

Out, there are a couple of CC creams/tinted moisturisers that use little balls of pigment that self adapt to your skin tone. Those tend to be the safest when you're not sure of exact colour match. Estée Lauder have a CC cream (revitalising something) that really gives a nice healthy even tone, a bit like you have a subtle healthy tan but not much, if any, coverage (expensive as well). Erborian CC cream is really good as well, there are several versions now tackling redness, sallowness, etc. better coverage but does contain fragrance. Nicest one of this sort I've seen recently (but also contains fragrance and also pricey) is the Dr Perricone tinted moisturiser. Alternatively since you have some French pharmacy available locally, the Bioderma nude touch sunscreen is tinted with quite a bit of coverage, it also contains BHA. Would only recommend for combo to oily and oily skin and the colours are limited, Sallie gets a good match as a medium but I'm light to medium and I can just get away with it in summer in the lighter shade.

Blue, it's not that unusual, bit like the old fashioned use of cold cream to take off makeup. Petrolatum and mineral oil do get a lot of grief in the influencer skincare world because it's cheap and by crying it's toxic they can sell you on questionable 'clean' beauty. There are reasons to avoid MO but there's no reason to avoid it if you're not experiencing issues with it. My only reservation would be how much friction you have to use to get it worked in and off as I've never tried it myself. The other aspect, much like the Votary cleansing oil, there's no emulsifier so you're likely leaving a film and hopefully a secondary cleanse would remove it so the area is properly cleansed but at the end of the day it's not different to what many of us do on here in using an oil cleanser to remove eye makeup in the first cleanse, except that the second cleanse doesn't need to be as thorough around the eyes.

Out following on from Bo’s post I did really like that Bioderma tinted spf but sort of forgot about it when I discovered frezyderm tinted spf 50 which may also be an option? though you or your Mum would have to order it from amazon, don’t think it’s in any shops.

I seem to remember you saying you’re pale and suffer with redness (might have got that wrong?) but if so you’re completely the opposite to me as I’m sallow/yellow so probably not placed to advise, but I agree with Bo that the ones she’s mentioned would definitely be easier to shade match without testing in person.

The NARS TM has an extensive shade range but that makes it more difficult in a way, I was dithering between about 3 of them and just got lucky I picked the right one.

Thankyou both bo and out I'm definitely pink undertoned and pretty pale generally shades called ivory, warm ivory though rather than porcelain. The French pharmacy stuff I can get is limited but I'll have a look. There is actually plenty of makeup available here but not in caucasian skin tones. I'll have a look at the suggested ones and maybe see if DM can test any in store as we're similar skintoned

Whoops thanking myself, what a blonde moment I meant thankyou sallie

Pale with pink undertones probably makes the Bioderma nude touch too warm and dark for you Out but the Erborian in the lightest colour should be right up your alley as that is fair with pink undertones, it comes in a smaller trial/travel size too but I don't know how useful that really is for you.

at thanking yourself Out hope you/your Mum have success finding something. Is there enough time for her to post you any samples to try before she buys?

I’ve just noticed you can get a body spray of P50, it’s £90 but I’d be quite tempted if I could do away with other body stuff.

Oops sorry this must be catching as I don’t know who I am now, it’s Sallie with a different name!

Yes @botemp Vaseline to remove eye makeup is similar to (Ponds?) cold cream for removing makeup. Old skool and cheap so clearly not in vogue. I use it before cleansing. With a clean finger I rub a dollop into each eye (yes right into the eyeball) gently, but it doesn’t pull and feels lovely to use. It’s the only eye makeup remover I’ve used that gets rid of waterproof mascara and does not irritate my sensitive eyes. To remove it lightly dampen a cotton wool pad and wipe a couple of times.

A bit late but at the gif Bo...

Which Fenty gloss did you get Enid? I love a gloss and have some Boots points to use....

In spite of all this lippie talk, I've also reduced what I buy SO MUCH since joining this thread... not just skincare but makeup too. I think it also helps not reading blogs/unfollowing most influencers. There are a few core products that I repeatedly repurchase but it's made me realise just how much money's been wasted over time :(

Hello Sallie/Anunciata! I'm now picturing you as a well-turned-out nun! :)

Haus laboratories (lady Gaga) eyeliner thoroughly tested today. Lasted since 7.45am and still going strong, hasn't smudged or run or transferred, really impressed!

TS Lip bomb in Fu$$y. It's a bit dusky rose on its own but not very pigmented so it's good over lipsticks too. Quite thick, will get on everything you eat with/kiss/drink out of and the doe foot applicator is huge so I have to be careful not to get carried away (do anyway). It's very shiny. Smells of peaches and vanilla. 🍑

Re decluttering and reducing consumption etc went into Boots to buy razors and I was very surprised at how hard I found it to not buy anything else. I put about five things into the basket before I had a word with myself and put them back. I went in determined to just get the razors but couldn't resist. It was a turning point I think. Definitely sticking to the low or no buy thing now, just to show myself I can.

I'll just have to shop vicariously through everyone else.

i wondered if you lovely lot could help me get started with a good skincare routine? I have read through this thread and the fact-sheets, but feel a little overwhelmed with which brands to try and which products I should add in first. I also feel a little vary of retinol because I'm so worried about sun damage. I'm mid 30's, with combination skin. My main concerns are wrinkles, which are starting to appear (particularly on my forehead and fine ones around my eyes) and congestion/pore size on my nose. I think they are sebaceous filaments on my nose.
I currently just wash my face with warm water in the morning and apply Viola vitamin c serum, followed by Simple light moisturiser. I religiously use Heliocare 360 gel SPF 50. In the evening I use Spiezia daily radiance facial cleansing balm and moisturise with Trilogy organic rosehip oil. Any advice/recommended products would be so gratefully appreciated. Thank you so much!

Thanks Enid, I'll have a look next time I'm in town :)

On another note, my skin has been really pink and sting-y recently - I can't decide whether it's the Timeless C (started last week) or upping my tret to every other night a few weeks ago (rather than every 3 nights) or the cold weather (or an unholy combination of everything)!

Anyone else suffering with "winter pink face" at the moment? It's not a good look and my face feels kind of warm/flushed most of the time...

Hi ruby The more knowledgable posters will help you soon, I just wanted to say hello and welcome. You're off to a brilliant start having an spf that you like and use regularly. I haven't used retinol yet either as I'm a bit nervous of it! I think the best thing to start with first is to find your basics. So cleansers, daily moisturisers etc and then introduce acids and things after that. Introducing new things slowly works well I've found. Then if you have a reaction or get great results, you'll be able to know what's causing it.

Do you wear make up daily?

TS My DH has had extra pink cheekbones a few times lately (mild rosacea that's he's got meds for) and it's definitely the weather. No stingy though. Does your skin feel tight or dry? Sounds more like a product reaction to me.

Hello lovely ladies, I hope you're all well. Do any of you use squalane oil or have you ever used it? If so is there a particular brand that's best? I've seen it by the ordinary, inky list, indeed labs, gow etc etc. Just wondered if there was one that's better than the other?? Thanks in advance.

Enid Very dry skin - I think it's a combo of the tret and the new vit C, which is not as comfy (but possibly more effective?) than the DE vit C....

Mint Yes I've used The Ordinary squalane.. it was fine but I would imagine they're all pretty similar.

Ruby hello! Like Enid said you're off to a great start with the basics. Vitamin A products (e.g. retinol) and vitamin C products are usually recommended for signs of ageing but I'm not sure about the vitamin C content of that serum you're using, had a quick look and couldn't see whether there was a % on the bottle?

Thanks so much for all your input so far. Is there a vitamin C serum (or another one) that anyone would recommend? Are there any products that I should add in? Perhaps a weekly mask?

Welcome Ruby, I'd say for your concerns a retinoid would tick a lot of boxes but I tend to advice to work up to that anyhow. Do you already have/are you prone to sun damage?

By the sound of it a Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid, and BHA would be good to look at first (assuming the current Vit C is not an 'ideal' one). Timeless CE ferulic is the one most used on here but there are other options. Hyaluronic acid there's various options, depends on budget/where you prefer to buy. BHA, the Paula's Choice 2% BHA perfecting liquid is hard to beat. Don't really see the point of masks as a weekly thing, but the occasional clay mask with the 50 shades of snail technique can be helpful with sebaceous filaments.

I’m back in my normal clothes

Ts my face is not pink but I’ve definitely got winter face (dry patches, flaking, feels more sensitive than usual) I get it every winter regardless of what products I’m using, used to blame tret but have come to the conclusion it’s just the cold weather outside/heating inside combo. I got a little silicone scrubby thing that Bo recommended and that’s helping with the flaky patches but if pinkness is your issue not sure if it would do much for that and could make it worse if you were too vigorous with it.

Hi Mint 👋 I don’t think I’ve used squalane, might have tried it when I was going through my buying dozens of TO products phase but don’t remember so obviously didn’t make much impression one way or the other...

Hi Ruby I’d also recommend the timeless Vit C Bo mentions and I like Vichy mineral 89 as a hyaluronic acid, it’s not the cheapest out there but there’s usually offers on at either Boots, look fantastic or vichy’s own site that brings it under £20.

On the winter pink face (WPF©) IME it's not so much down to temperature exclusively but it's a combination of (harsh) wind and humidity and the sudden difference between indoors and outdoors. The Purito sunscreen has some soothing ingredients (like you'd find in cicaplast) and the B5 in my timeless hyaluronic is also very soothing and that seems to keep the worst of it at bay. I've also delayed applying Tret by 30 mins and layering HA underneath, it's really a lot of fine tuning to be able to continue in the same frequency ATM, but skin seems to be really happy with this combo for now. I haven't actually tried cicaplast, but that would probably fix a lot too but I remain too weary to smear it all over my face as I'm still traumatised from my Toleriane riche experience.

Agree Bo that it’s definitely the change in temps from in to out that seem to affect me most, I can literally feel my face drying out in some (overheated IMO) buildings and also in my car when I have to blast the heating to defrost/demist windows.

I need to repurchase timeless Vit c very soon so will try purito and B5 HA.

I’m hoping we won’t have a long winter this year but given it snowed at the end of March last year that’s probably a bit optimistic.

It's been a really odd winter, I remember we were complaining in early December or even November thinking we were going to have a really cold winter and snow was imminent but it's been mostly mild. Currently heading to Antwerp and Paris (intentional this time) and it'll be around 15 most days (briefly as high as 17 in the predictions) which seems way too warm for this time of year and then it'll be around 5 when I get back

I do really like the timeless hyaluronic acid but I must admit I'm a bit hung up about the price, probably because I bought it at TkMaxx for a song. I'm going through it quite quickly (because my skin likes it so much) so the idea of spending the full price pains me a little bit, but I do like that it's not overly sticky or very wet feeling, there's a film of sorts but it disappears with whatever you layer over it and I don't have that anxiety of must layer something over it NOW, it seems fine to hang out a bit and absorb a bit of air moisture before layering on Tret 30 mins later. Still, considering how many HA products are out there these days at various price points, it's not a cheap one.

I'm still flaking from retinol but pushing through. I've backed off to every third day rather than every other and concentrating on loads of hydration
Have ordered the Missha near skin total ceramide cream as it has great reviews and I'm out of the dr jart one (have the gel cream left though)