Good beauty counters?

[PartyOFive]

Im early 40s, always had decent skin and a fairly solid routine of cleansers, moisturiser, spf - I knew the products or brands I liked (cerave, No7, some random facial oils). Added retinol a couple of years ago and vit c last year. Never use much makeup just tinted moisturizer or light foundation and mascara on nights out or important work days.

last few months it feels like my skin is ageing at light speed, wrinkles round my eyes and on my forehead deepening alarmingly. Foundations I used before cake now, and I look tired or haggard so quickly.

I've tried a few new things like a different retinol or new night creams but don't feel any making a big impact, and think I need some proper anti ageing stuff, plus advice on make up.

I've always been wary of beauty counters, assuming they will just flog whatever gets them most commission and ofc just in their own brand. But are any decent? Is there anywhere I could go where someone would advise across a couple of brands?

It sounds as though you have the basics more or less right, OP, but need an upgrade to something a little stronger and more effective than over the counter retinols. Most of the heavy lifting with skincare happens overnight when we’re sleeping, so it’s important that whatever you use before bed is actually working to target your skin concerns. For ageing skin the gold standard ingredient (hands down) is Tretinoin which is a prescription only retinoid; highly researched (and for ages a ‘secret’ of Dermatologists!) It will massively speed up your skin renewal (cell turnover), unclog pores, gently fade areas of pigmentation and even out the texture and tone of your skin over time. I gave up on shop bought products a long time ago and now have a monthly subscription to Monderma, who are excellent. My skin at 60 has never looked better. You get a customised formula to use at night but must apply SPF daily as it can make the skin more sensitive to photo damage. It sounds as though that could be a good next move for you? Add a simple cleanser and moisturiser (perhaps from The Ordinary) and SPF30 minimum (try Heliocare or Rosalique) …and stick with it! Clear, healthy, glowing skin takes time and effort. Ps Hyaluronic Acid serum from The Ordinary is also excellent for skin plumping. Apply to damp skin after showering. As for make up I highly recommend the Trinny London range. Their BFF cream (lightly tinted SPF30 cream) has been my go to for many years.

They're usually salespeople in-store. If you want to speak with someone ask your GP for a referral to a dermatologist. Most trusts have wait lists of less than 10 weeks now.

You'll have to specify it's for acne or rosacea and is affecting your confidence. The NHS doesn't treat cosmetic/anti-ageing concerns. I just pay for it to avoid the hassle. I second Monderma tretinoin or any retinoid-containing night cream. Retinol is no good.

Personally I haven’t been to a single counter that I feel has helped, this site has helped more than anything as well as a custom formula for my skin like the guys mentioned above.

Their job is always to upsell you, even when they’re trying to help and you can end up over complicating and paying for loads of products that don’t suit your skin type.

Maybe try one of the online prescribers and get something for your own skin? There’s a few out there and sometimes have discounts running. Skin & Me, Monderma, Dermatica etc

Thanks all, I have noticed things have improved when I recently started using a moisturizer as well as SPF in mornings so it's probably in part that my skin is drying out...

but it's really my eyes which are starting to get to me- the smile line wrinkles are much more present and it means I should probably be more careful about the base I'm use as it tends to cake there now. I've never used much eye cream before and found most light foundations or BB cream type stuff worked, so I think I was hoping to shortcut the process of buying and trying various ones to find a new system. But I take on board your wisdom that decent skin takes time!
I've signed up for a discount first month at skin and me...

Could it be menopause that’s causing rapid ageing as that can happen with loss of oestrogen? Maybe speak to your doctor about hrt as I’ve heard that women tend to get some of their youthfulness after starting it. Also get the stronger retinols while you’re there. For makeup try an anti ageing primer before foundation. Benefit cosmetics is a good makeup counter to try.

Also get Botox to help with wrinkles. It’ll help smooth out your skin.

Botox and tret are a must. It'll help make you feel much better about yourself.

Space NK can be good as the assistants aren’t usually affiliated to any particular brand. However it is mostly very spendy and most of what they sell won’t be better than a prescription tretinoin and Botox.

Skin and me are amazing

Ah good tip, thank you. I may seek one out for the make up advice

True.

I could have written your post. I’m still on a skincare journey but makeup wise I follow Lauren Hale on Instagram and she’s fab for recommending makeup types for over 40s. I changed from liquid to cream makeup and it was a game changer xx

Ah thanks, I do still use liquid mainly, I will look her up and also bear in mind to try cream formulations! It feels a bit disorienting not to know anymore what is likely to suit me, after having had pretty similar skin and skincare routine for 20-odd years.

Caroline Hirons provides good information and the pros and cons of most skincare products and makeup too.