What is your one transformative WOW beauty product that you found in 2024?

[JMAngel1]

For me it was a product I didn’t want to like as it’s very pricey and I had thought over the years it was just a gimmick. Plus I had a really good skincare routine before I started using them (essence, HA serum, vit C, peptide cream, SPF, tretinoin, acid actives etc) and I didn’t really see that I could get much more positive effect than with what I was already using.
But wow, these little capsules (god they’re fiddly and annoying) of Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide oil/serum have massively improved my skin just adding it in as an additional layer after my other serums and before my peptide cream. My crepey under eye skin has completely smoothed out and fine lines on my forehead have gone. My skin tone looks more even and skin looks plumper definitely. I’m also less oily throughout the day. I’m gobsmacked given that it’s such a small amount in the capsule.
Only downside is now I have to find the money to include them in my routine ongoing!

What have you found recently that has been an absolute game changer?

My EA capsules do contain a lot of silicone. I think it's the main ingredient. Others might be different though. I got the ceramide and retinol ones.

I have to be honest and that’s not something I ever look at/into when buying my products more just if they work for me 😳

Is that because you haven’t ever thought of it, or because you don’t care about animal cruelty?

@Englitter - I’m in Caroline Hirons skincare FB group and knew from reading stuff in there what it was. My skin was sore and everything I put on it stung. I knew I had been using glycolic too much. So I went back to basics. Switched to products for sensitive skin. I bought a barrier repair serum although I can’t remember the brand. For now if your skin is super sensitive at the moment drop out any actives you are using. So no exfoliating and no Vit C products or brightening products. The Byoma range is great for the skin barrier - you can buy it at Boots. Also at this time of year my skin can feel dry and sore sometimes and it’s because it’s winter and my skin is dehydrated. So I concentrate on hydration. I prefer a few light layers of hydrating products rather than one heavy moisturiser. A few layers of a hydrating toning essence before any serum and moisturiser.

Ooh tell me more - does it hurt as you put it on?

Aveeno ACV clarifying shampoo has transformed my hair to a lovely, shiny, glossy mane.

It definitely tingles. The higher the number (there's no way I would try a 300), the more intense the tingling. Whatever serum you layer on afterwards is more effective- however it should not be used with Retinol.

It's a serum which comes in different strengths. The lowest is 50, going up to a mind boggling 700. There is a definite tingling. It will make any serum you layer on afterwards more effective. However it shouldn't be used with Retinol and I would recommend starting at twice a week. It is sold on Olive Young Global (once you start oggling stuff on there, there will be no stopping you) nd on Yesstyle. They do make a Reti A sheet mask which is a good way to dip your toes in. It leaves your skin looking amazing.

Are you vegan? Do you wear leather shoes?
This isn't the thread to dig out a poster.

Votary sensitive resurfacing peel
Lisa Eldridge lured eyeshadow
byredo lipstick

I see it come up every so often in Boots £10 tuesday

A couple of things have been game changers for my rosacea prone skin -
dermatica serum - tried skin&me and had ok results initially, but dermatica has transformed the texture of my skin, now smooth and bright.
dr jart bb cream - tones the red down and makes my skin look super glowy.

other buys I am pleased with:
CT eye pallets - really impressed
clinique black honey mascara

I wasn’t digging. The poster responded to another poster that she had never factored animal testing into her choices. I simply asked if that was because she hadn’t thought about it, or because she dismissed it. Some people haven’t thought about it, but will make different choices when they have. There really is no need to fill rabbits eyes with cosmetic ingredients that have already been tested these days.

To answer your questions, I admire Vegans, but I am not one myself, no. I have a calcium deficiency that makes it difficult for me to have enough without including some dairy products, despite taking twice daily calcium supplements and extra vitamin D. I am vegetarian and I only wear leather that is confirmed to be a byproduct of the meat industry. So premium leather would be out for me.

Thank you, that's the cheapest I've seen.

Buying on the back of this thread 41 and my eyes are really beginning to get me down

Malik mojito lip balm. Thinks that's what it's called. Bought it on sale in tk maxx. Going to keep on buying it full price.

Kate Moss' Golden Nectar.

It managed to soothe my dry ageing skin and build a barrier like nothing else

Having given up on EL Doublewear as starting to look mask like on my ageing skin, having tried several others I’ve now settled on Sweed Glass Skin foundation. It gives a lovely glow which I’ve found to be much more flattering. I’m also loving Pixi skin care and make-up. The three different sheet masks are all fab, Volume, Glow or Vit C and I’m also using their Vit C cream and Vit C serum. My skin is looking really good.

A silk eye mask for sleeping in - it’s hugely reduced the creasing/wrinkles around my eyes as I sleep on my side and front.

My stand out in 2024 was daily collagen use. Started off using Ancient and Brave but am now using Kollo which has twice the amount of collagen in a sachet and some vitamins and am noticing the difference.

@XiCi can I ask which collagen supplement you take?

Mounjaro - lost the two stone I have been carrying for 20 years and I feel brilliant.

Shark flexstyle 5 in 1 air styler & hair dryer - I had been hankering after the Dyson Air Wrap for ages but just couldn't justify the price, also the fact I very rarely have time to style my hair. So I got this as a cheap alternative on offer... it's ended up being such a brilliant hair dryer! Dries my hair in half the time and I finally worked out how to use the curlers (they don't move - I tried to send it back ha ha) and they are brilliant too.

BeautyPie WrapStar tubing mascara. Great for sensitive eyes, even waterproof mascaras would end up down my cheeks, this stays put.

Before spending a lot on collagen supplements listen to Radio 4 Sliced Bread on the subject. BBC Sounds November 24/ 2022. Expertsin the subjects are interviewed with their opinions from tests. They also have tackled the subjects of expensive shampoos and face creams. So much is placebo effect.

@Highgatehospital I posted some photos upthread @ 24/01/2025 20:12

Re placebo effects. The latest research I read was that they don't know how taking collagen works but it demonstrably does. My nails were so weak they hurt when you pressed them and my hair was thin and breaking off at the ends. My nails are now strong, skin plump and hair so much longer and thicker that my hairdresser comments every time I go that it's some sort of miracle. It was recommended to my cousin to take by her oncologist whilst she was having chemo to thicken and strengthen the hair. So if it's a placebo effect I'll take that every time!!

I remember reading something before about a possible link between collagen supplements and breast cancer. I'd like to give them a try but that is putting me off

I tried the Hunter & Gather collagen powder for a few months, both bovine and marine. Noticed no difference so I stopped, it seems to have mixed results.