Recommendations for my face please

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Hi everyone and happy new year.

I need a couple of useful but boring things and wondered if anybody could point me in the right direction, please?

1: make up remover - not micellar water and not Clinique. I'm currently using a Boots Botanics one and it's okay, but a bit greasy.

2: a cleanser that goes on dry skin and wipes off with cotton wool, before I wash my face (I use Sali Hughes Clean Sheet or a Ren one plus water) - not micellar water - hopefully not at all drying and very gentle; possibly an old fashioned milky one

If product one and two could be the same product, even better!

3: something to cover under-eye shadows - currently using an Estée Lauder one, but it was expensive and I don't like it enough to buy again

Many thanks in advance, if anybody has any ideas.

I love a cleansing balm to get make up off and first cleanse - currently using Lacura cleansing balm which is a dupe for Emma Hardie morninga balm - it’s really lovely and shifts everything. I then follow up with Cerave hydra cleanser for 2nd cleanse.

For under eyes I love CT under eye corrector - it’s really moisturising but has a lovely peachy tone which cuts through any blue tones. I think you’re supposed to put concealer on top but tbh at 52 it’s all I need - I don’t like thick cakey under eye concealers.

Lancôme bi-facil makeup remover is a must. Glossier cleanser may be what you are after - I used it years back but prefer balms. I love Estée Lauder and wouldn't change it under eye. It lasts for 2-3 months and doesn't break down to much of a cost. Try to get your eye shadows at source. Tretinoin from Monderma or Skin+Me lightens it significantly. You can get a tube for £5 ish and cancel. A month or two is usually sufficient.

Coconut oil is the best makeup remover.

Thanks for these. I’ll have a look at them all properly tonight. Definitely just want a real shop, ideally Boots!

To be fair to Estée L, the eye camo thing has lasted for ages so definitely low cost per wear!

For No 1 and 2 I suggest good old baby lotion, rub it into dry skin, all over, especially around the eyes if wearing eye make up, then remove with a large very slightly damp cotton pad. No 3, I like Boots No 7 hydraluminous dark circle corrector. Very soft, very moisturising and natural.

And the No7 is good around the nose as I find most concealers cake and flake here.

I like the Superdrug B cleansing balm, and follow with the Cerave hydrating cleanser, though that is rinse off.

I’m working on the dark circles - I’d say if you have a product that works for you, stick with it. I do like Clinique peach colour corrector, ELF colour corrector, and L’Oreal Accord Parfait concealer.

If you use tretinoin/retinol you will probably need to hydrate the area like mad. I’m using Skin+Me on the rest of my face and just started using Inkey List retinol eye cream under my eyes, then Clinique Smart Repair over it. AM I use Neutrogena Hydroboost eye cream as a light primer under makeup. PM I use a tiny amount of rosehip oil or Cerave ointment on top. I think pp is right that tretinoin is the way to go for the circles but I’m scared of damaging my undereye skin so going very gently.

Thanks again, everyone. It seems like a minefield and I really don’t want lots of products for under eyes, just a decent concealer.

This Concealer is really good for under eye shadows and very reasonable. You can’t buy it instore though. Although Amazon sometimes sell some of their products, their foundation is great as well.

Clinique take the day off is good if you haven't already ordered a makeup remover.

I had quite dark circles and after years of using Loreal under eye concealer that has more of a brightening effect I switched. I found it wasn't covering the darkness and research led me to realising I need a colour corrector. The blueness of the circles is counteracting by orange i.e peach. I ended up with MAC colour corrector in peach bisque. They have a colour match function on their website. It's positively orange but genuinely works. I have to be extremely well moisturised when I put it on as it's quite thick but it works. Apparently I can add a concealer on top too that is brightening but I haven't got around to buying that.

The MAX is about £25 and it's my only big splurge make up wise. I'm always keen to find cheaper options of things though so will probably research again. Happy with it though.

I've been really impressed by Elf products, I might try their colour corrector next. The brow pencil and brow brush are great. Didn't like the laminating tube, it actually gave me a bald patch on my eyebrow. Decided I don't need my brows laminated against my face 😂

Try Avene Toning Lotion. It acts like a makeup remover and toner in one. Not at all greasy like make up removers, but does the job. I really like this and have used it for a few years now.

Honestly? This ticks all the boxes, has amazing reviews and is made in Cornwall. A little goes a very long way!!

www.madeforlifeorganics.com/products/daily-radiance-facial-cleansing-balm-50ml

I don’t like the Clinique one, I’m afraid. I find it too harsh.

Thanks for these. Will do some more googling later!