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Beauty chat - freebies/gifts with purchase/offers THREAD FIFTEEN

1000 replies

OvaHere · 11/05/2026 23:24

Time for another thread. Spring and Summer releases are trickling out to tempt us AND the advent calendar waitlists are appearing...hope you are all feeling suitably Christmassy. 😂

Thanks everyone who continues to contribute to the chatter and welcome to any newbies who want to join in.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
60
Hicupping · 25/05/2026 15:37

Don't forget your sheet masks in this heat. Trying Pyungkangs Calming mask. Unfortunately I tried the Laneige cetrapeptide mist from the SNK advent and it gave me spots.

pinkchampagne1 · 25/05/2026 15:51

I am in Croatia right now and could do with a cooling mist!

Fillybuster · 25/05/2026 16:38

I used one of my SK freebie masks this afternoon- very nice and calming. Until I went outside and got hot and sticky all over again 😂

user593 · 25/05/2026 16:56

pinkchampagne1 · 25/05/2026 14:17

So, I have resisted buying the Liberty edit but have purchased the mascara and the face cream from Vinted. I really don’t need another eye cream, cleansing balm, sleep spray or any hair products so I need to remove it from my basket don’t I?! 🤔

I bought one of the Jo Malone Zara perfumes at the weekend. The dark coloured Fashionably London one. Pretty impressed with it for £19.99

I got the eye cream for £30 so that squashed my urge to buy the edit 🙌

I also bought Fashionably London a few weeks ago. I wouldn’t ordinarily buy cheap perfume but I’ve found it true what they say about compliments!

TragicMuse · 25/05/2026 16:56

Thanks to the enablement ** of @Doglover73 over on the scent thread, I’ve bought a sample of Diptyque L’eau des Hesperides from Vinted.

**enablement being the merest mention of it existing and being lovely!

user593 · 25/05/2026 16:58

Willow742 · 25/05/2026 13:30

I tend to get essentials like deodorant or handwash if there's nothing I really need, sometimes even chuck in a meal deal if I'm really struggling 😅 I also like to look at what's in their clearance section as there's often something decent lurking in there

Unfortunately I tend to buy very specific essentials which aren’t available in Boots, and in all stocked up on toothpaste now! I might just stock up on wet wipes (still got one in nappies) but there’s probably a limit to how many boxes of those I can store! Snacks is a good idea though.

Hicupping · 25/05/2026 17:01

pinkchampagne1 · 25/05/2026 15:51

I am in Croatia right now and could do with a cooling mist!

I also tried the glow recipe watermelon mist and it turned my cheeks red. I'm not doing well with mists.

user593 · 25/05/2026 17:03

TragicMuse · 25/05/2026 16:56

Thanks to the enablement ** of @Doglover73 over on the scent thread, I’ve bought a sample of Diptyque L’eau des Hesperides from Vinted.

**enablement being the merest mention of it existing and being lovely!

Edited

I love Diptyque perfumes. After I finally worked my way through all the years old perfume I didn’t like anymore, I’d say 85% of my collection (or more) is Diptyque. I don’t have that one though - report back! ☺️

Doglover73 · 25/05/2026 19:50

Hicupping · 25/05/2026 17:01

I also tried the glow recipe watermelon mist and it turned my cheeks red. I'm not doing well with mists.

My skin doesnt seem to like most mists especially glow recipe. I also tried the laneige one from space nk advent and am on the fence.
Im using the bysarah mist that was in a ch kit a bit back. Wasn't keen at first so was put to the side but thought id try it again as my skin was going funny with everything. Find it ok now. One of the few tbh x

Doglover73 · 25/05/2026 19:52

Off to research fashionably London. 🤣

TragicMuse · 25/05/2026 20:27

I’ve got a mist by Ivy Aïa which I keep forgetting about. I’m going to check the date and try to use it up! It was in a box, no idea when.

wohmum · 25/05/2026 21:22

Doglover73 · 23/05/2026 10:05

Looks amazing. Im not looking.
I had 3 very big boxes come from liberty yesterday so i need to sort out and sell some stuff.
If anyone wants my vinted name let me know ♥️

Yes please!

DidILeaveTheGasOn · 25/05/2026 21:24

I should know better, but... is there any merit in using an AI tool to compare potential skincare purchases? I'm currently comparing the MZ Skin micro peeling glow essence with the REN AHA Tonic and ChatGPT, expert on skincare that it is, having no skin whatsoever, says the REN tonic is actually a stronger active. So if I'm using the REN tonic every day I've essentially peaked. Really? This feels like bollocks to me but there just isn't enough information on the products to make an informed, analytical decision.

BakeOffRewatch · 25/05/2026 21:25

If you can’t find info available, ChatGPT will use one random blog post or Reddit post opinion and give it to you as fact. Can you give me the links to both products and I can have a look?

Doglover73 · 25/05/2026 21:51

Oh wow didnt know thst. Thanks @bakeoffrewatch ♥️

Fillybuster · 25/05/2026 21:57

@DidILeaveTheGasOn annoyingly I’ve found ChatGPT to be quite unreliable about specific products, probabiy because it does what @BakeOffRewatch says! In fact I found it gave me contradictory advice about the same products on different days…..grrrr! It’s much better at generic advice, such as helping to work out a plan for which nights to use, say retinol vs other actives, what not to mix and how to layer things.

owlpassport · 25/05/2026 22:23

@DidILeaveTheGasOn having more actives doesn't necessarily mean it's going to be more beneficial though. There's no point me using an active to target issues with greasy skin if my skin is dry. The MZ Skin seems to have azelaic acid, mandelic acid, succinic acid and a PHA. Azelaic acid and succinic acid are marketed more as anti-inflammatories for acne prone skin, and mandelic acid and PHA as gentler exfoliants. I like the REN ready steady glow but it can definitely be irritant to sensitive skin. If your skin can tolerate it I feel like you don't need the more sensitive formulation from MZ Skin.

Also remember a lot of this is marketing. If you've got something that works for you, you don't need to go looking for something 'better' (which might not exist). Your skin needs will change as you get older, have hormonal changes etc so it's not that you've 'peaked' as such. The main things that will work are vitamin, SPF and retinol. Everything else is a nice to have.

DidILeaveTheGasOn · 25/05/2026 22:26

That's what I was reading online - that the REN AHA tonic was delivering more than the MZ peeling essence would, despite having more actives on the go. More doesn't mean stronger, or better.

I had a brief window of dry, easy to look after skin over winter which was great, I've never had dry skin before and it just obediently drank all the moisturiser I chucked at it. Back to business as usual now, which is oily and combination, and tricky to manage.

Fillybuster · 25/05/2026 23:34

@DidILeaveTheGasOn I’ve parked both my ordinary and my ren aha tonics for the time being, as chat suggested I use something a bit gentler once a week, like the Sunday Riley good genes (or not at all). Until that point I was using them every day and the SR most mornings under moisturiser too! Overall, my skin is much calmer. I’ve just introduced azelaic acid twice a week at night time, which is less about exfoliation and more about dealing with mini hormone-driven breakouts and some minor marks and blotches that have appeared over recent months. I’ll let you know how I get on with them! Primary focus now is vit C, retinol and azelaic acid along with getting the right balance of moisturiser to protect and maintain skin barrier.

BakeOffRewatch · 26/05/2026 00:33

DidILeaveTheGasOn · 25/05/2026 21:24

I should know better, but... is there any merit in using an AI tool to compare potential skincare purchases? I'm currently comparing the MZ Skin micro peeling glow essence with the REN AHA Tonic and ChatGPT, expert on skincare that it is, having no skin whatsoever, says the REN tonic is actually a stronger active. So if I'm using the REN tonic every day I've essentially peaked. Really? This feels like bollocks to me but there just isn't enough information on the products to make an informed, analytical decision.

Do you own the MZ peeling essence and REN daily toner already? Or are you choosing which to buy? I didn’t like the REN toner, it’s quite harsh but I am generally anti- peeling/exfoliating/revealing/radiance type skincare. I am very much pro nourishing and hydrating skin care. The MZ Skin sounds like it’s made to be a lot gentler and nourishing, it has succinic acid to stop bacterial growth which could lead to hyperpigmentation/acne/scarring and then it’s got my fav hyaluronic acid. So going from the descriptions, I think MZ Skin is better because I believe it will lead to better looking and healthier skin. I think the REN strips the skin. I am being very vague because it really depends what you want to do with your skin! For a similar effect to the MZ skin, you could use a clarifying toner and then some hyaluronic serum. I use Glow Recipe Watermelon Toner (PHA and BHA) and Avene Thermal Spray+Avene hyaluronic serum - your skin needs to be wet as the hyaluronic acid bonds to moisture and if your skin is dry it will just draw more moisture out. But I only use the PHA and BHA on days I’m keen for my skin to look good. If you want to peel your skin this is the best product I’ve ever used https://truebotanicals.com/products/at-home-facialist-peel it says once a week, I use it once a month or pre-event. And then use loads of moisture and don’t go outside! “This synergistic formula blends 27.2% AHA, BHA, PHA, and THX for professional-grade exfoliation and radical radiance after just one use.”

I was asking if you already have or are looking to buy, because REN has shut down and so it’s all discontinued products and I wouldn’t buy because of shelf life and efficacy. But it will probably be fine. More expensive products have shorter shelf life because they have more difficult ingredients to keep stable.

https://www.mzskin.com/products/micro-peeling-essence
£105 per 100ml
“Radiance-boosting toner for brighter, smoother and more even skin”

“Powered by Mandelic Acid (AHA), Gluconolactone (PHA) and Bio-Succinic Acid, it helps refine pores, smooth uneven texture and clarify congested skin. Azeloglicina® and Tranexamic Acid work to visibly improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, while Plankton Extract and Hyaluronic Acid help replenish hydration and support a healthy, radiant glow.”

Ingredients: Aqua, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Succinic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Sodium Hydroxide, Gluconolactone, Mandelic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetrimonium Bromide, Sucrose, Plankton Extract, Lecithin

https://www.spacenk.com/uk/skincare/toner/toners/ready-steady-glow-daily-aha-tonic-MUK300051309.htm
“Seven skin benefits, one 100% recycled plastic bottle. This cult-status tonic exfoliates, brightens, tightens and hydrates for a smooth, even and energised complexion that's all glow without the irritation.
Formulated with gentle, yet powerful Lactic Acid (AHA) and Salicin (BHA), this skin-resurfacing tonic is formulated for daily use, brightening skin and bringing energy back to pollution, city living or tired-looking skin.
Lactic Acid effectively exfoliates the skin surface, breaking up dead cells and replacing moisture, without causing irritation. Salicin from Willow Bark helps dissolve in-pore build up, helping pores appear tighter and skin appear smoother every day.”

Ingredients: AQUA (WATER), SODIUM LACTATE, LACTIC ACID, HEPTYL GLUCOSIDE, POTASSIUM AZELOYL DIGLYCINATE, TRIETHYL CITRATE, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, SALIX NIGRA (WILLOW) BARK EXTRACT, BENZOIC ACID, CITRUS NOBILIS (MANDARIN) PEEL OIL, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) FLOWER OIL, CITRUS GRANDIS (GRAPEFRUIT) PEEL OIL, CITRUS TANGERINA (TANGERINE) PEEL OIL, HEPTANOL, PARFUM* (FRAGRANCE), LIMONENE

BakeOffRewatch · 26/05/2026 00:35

@DidILeaveTheGasOn i am just getting in to toners though, I never understood the point of them when a serum or mask will do the job better. Maybe there’s a benefit to an exfoliating toner everyday rather than a big hit once a month. I don’t like the idea of doing it everyday. But my skin looked amazing through winter when I used the Glow Recipe Watermelon Toner once a day. The Sunday Riley Good Genes serum is too harsh for me too.

BakeOffRewatch · 26/05/2026 00:43

I preferred Pixi Glow Tonic to REN as an exfoliate only toner, and it’s a lot cheaper. https://pixibeauty.co.uk/products/glow-tonic-250ml

also love these and there’s an Xtreme version https://www.nipandfab.com/products/glycolic-fix-daily-cleansing-pads

i used to use one of them daily pre-Roaccutane

MrsBnow12 · 26/05/2026 04:52

The John Lewis gwp is available now, you have to add it via Rewards and then deducts £200 from your total.
A number of brands have 15-20% off.

Beauty chat - freebies/gifts with purchase/offers THREAD FIFTEEN
user593 · 26/05/2026 07:42

Boots £10 Tuesday highlights - Anua powder cleanser, MAC mascara and brow gel, Lumene liquid blush. The liquid blush says Arctic Rose but it let me select a few different shades for £10 each - though it remains to be seen if I get the different shades! I only bought the blush and not sure I’ll keep them yet as I have so many but I’ll decide later.

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