I'm starting to believe in beauty products again (Estee Lauder in particular)

[moonstorm]

After a year of using olive oil/ E45/ other cheaper products to save money and because 'after all the expensive beauty products are all hype etc...', my skin has been so-so. So I have started visiting the beauty halls again and they really do seem to be so much better.

I don't really belive the 'anti wrinkle'/ 'stop the signs of ageing' stuff, but in many ways they really do seem to work. For example I have a really dry red/ sore patch on my face that the dr says is nothing and just moisturise, so I do.... but this afternoon a lovely Estee Lauder lady put on some Veritee Calming Fluid and some Hydrationist lotion. My skin felt better immediately and still feels better... I am really tempted now to go back and buy...

So does anyone else agree? I may have to eat my words!!! (ps oil cleansing method made my skin really bad!!)

Now just to find out what's in them and whether I ought to avoid when pregnant/ breastfeeding due to certaion ingredients!

I don't think there are any hard ad fast rules. Most dermatologists say use what suits you.

You might get equally good results with cheaper brands such as L'Oreal, Boots No. 7 etc.

With the beauty hall brands you are also paying for the packaging, advertising and assistants who sell. Not to mention more £££=better notion!

The best thing you can do is keep skin hydrated and keep out of the sun using sun block all day every day, don't smoke and don't drink much.

If you want to use only "safe" products, then REN and Dr Hauska are good.

"The best thing you can do is keep skin hydrated and keep out of the sun using sun block all day every day, don't smoke and don't drink much."

I'm very good at doing this!!

The thing is, I've wasted money on cheaper brands due to nit being able to try them out properly before buying - don't mind paying more if I know I'll use it.

I like Dr Hauschka skincare, but wasn't impressed with the make-up (for me).

There is a fabulous book called don't go to the cosmetics counter without without me. Its a fascinating read and goes through products and assesses their claims, cost and ingredients. Its changed what I think and will buy. I must admit after going through it Estee Lauder comes up well but not every product.I think you can also look at beautypedia.com but you need to subscribe which is a pain.

Estee Lauder are good as they have a money back guarantee policy so if something doesn't seem to be working you can take it back.