Beauty/Skincare Favorites

[luv2sparkle]

@MakingTheGrade, give living proof a try. I bet they have a formula that would work for you. They make small travel sizes and if you didn’t like that, you could return it to Ulta. I also love T3 hair dryers for smoothing. I have a friend who has super thick hair that expands in humidity and T3 works well for her.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I’m so lazy. I rarely blow dry my hair...

 

[LaylaR]

I've used Living Proof for a couple years now. The Perfect Hair day left my scalp very oily. I only got half way through the Perfect Hair Day shampoo bottle and stopped using it. Even though most of my hair is not color treated right now, I use their Restore shampoo and conditioner instead. I also bought the Restore Mask over a year ago but I was never a fan of it, and when I finally finished it I went back to the Wella one I like.

If you do want to try their products, I recommend buying from the company directly, instead of from Sephora or Ulta. If you buy from them directly they have free shipping and often have 1 oz trial sizes of things they include free of charge--- things that you don't get at Sephora unless you use your points to get them. So you get to try a lot of their product without having to buy a bunch of stuff. The last time I bought anything from them was in like January and I still have samples of at least six different products I've never purchased.

Also, in general, I do not recommend shopping on Amazon for cosmetics or hair care, too many fakes, expired dates, and issues. Especially with Living Proof for some reason.

I have several samples of hair masks from Sephora right now. I tried the Briogeo Don't Despair for a couple of weeks and it was a complete waste of time. And it smelled strongly of coconut, which I didn't care for. I use their Blow Dry protectant. It's good, and a little goes a long way. The coconut smell disappears quickly with it so I can tolerate it but the mask was like putting coconut oil on my head aplus it did nothing for my hair. I have a couple of other mask samples as well still, that I haven't used yet.

I lost half of my hair due to an adverse reaction to my RA medication, so I've been paying special attention to my hair and it is growing back, but it's still the thinnest it has ever been.

I don't wear a lot of makeup either. On a normal day I wear powder, mascara and lipstick at most. Just mascara and lipstick if my skin is behaving. For a special occasion I'll break out the eye shadow or eye liner. But not both together.

My mother and my aunt are cosmetics fans, and always wait to buy when there are gifts with purchase to be had. They both have a more olive skin tone than I do, and a lot of the neutrals that look good on me, don't work for them. So whenever I go to their houses they pile me up with stuff to try. I always have samples of random stuff like primers, highlighters, and pore something or others in the house. Not to mention weird creams. I have to google the things just to figure out what they are and how to apply them without looking like a clown. It can be fun try them. But I'm easily entertained. It's like having a free Birch Box subscription. But I rarely, if ever, end up purchasing the full sizes of anything except the occasional concealer because I can't be bothered to wear more than mascara, powder and lipstick.

 

[SandyinAnaheim]

...I am also a face oil fiend, but won't even start on that haha

I also made it through the whole thread, great idea and recommendations! @elliefire99, please DO go into facial oils. What they're good for and which ones you like.

My understanding is that undereye skin is not just thinner than facial skin, it also produces less oil. I started using Strivectin about 15 years ago as a facial moisturizer and LOVE it. It's the only thing I've ever used that doesn't make me break out, isn't oily, doesn't irritate my eyes, AND keeps my face feeling moisturized the WHOLE day. It makes my face feel dewy.

I have a hoarding problem with Urban Decay eyeshadow palettes...I LOVE them. But as I've gotten older, I find that glitter is not my friend. I've bought several other more matte palettes, but they have all looked very dry and crepey on me, not nice and smooth like it does on younger people. Any suggestions for matte/slightly luminous eyeshadow palettes that aren't incredibly drying?

 

[ame]

You might find this helpful https://www.beautypedia.com/

I don't trust that site anymore. When she was not making her own products, sure, she could be mostly trustworthy and neutral. But now, her products (which I have yet to find one worth a shit) are always better than anything else.

@missy

Anyone use a moisturizer/sunblock combo if such a think exists? I’m lazy and fewer steps is better haha.

Josie Maran makes a really good one.

I'm a total beauty convert to La Mer skin care ever since Sephora has been carrying the brand.

I've been using La Mer treatment lotion, La Mer pefecting treatment, and Creme De La Mer which have made a huge difference in the appearance of my skin. It is a little pricey, but well worth the results to me!

My next purchase will probably be the La Mer eye balm intense...

I only use one product from them, the Cleansing Gel. I always go back to it, and I've used it for like 14 years.

 

[LJsapphire]

I'm in the UK and I don't use anything expensive really, most of my beauty products are supermarket own brand, independent brands or Marks and Spencer. I only use cruelty free makeup and toiletries.

I'm 40 but I get told I look about 30, people don't believe I'm 40 anyway. I've moisturised and had a skincare routine since I was 13, I always take my makeup off. I wear foundation most days but recently I've noticed that I need a primer. I have quite large pores on my cheeks next to my nose.
I do feel like I should start using an eye cream regularly, haven't so far. The thing that concerns me is that I have hooded eyes and I think they've started to droop a little.

 

[missy]

Just saw our doctor today and lol got unsolicited advice. Umm thanks? I don’t remember how it came up but he said everyone (really?) could benefit from using some form of retin a or something like it for that youthful glow and also to prevent wrinkles. Etc. And that even OTC treatments can be helpful and more gentle. And that sensitive skin can handle it too just less frequently.

Thanks doctor.

He quickly said to “prevent” but yeah I got what he meant.
My fault for going bare faced this morning. I’m super lazy and he was not supposed to look at my face. Went for my finger since I have a big cyst that just won’t go away despite treatments. Luckily he didn’t get the finger after the unsolicited advice.

Luckily I have a good sense of humor about this stuff. Just passing it on if it could help anyone here. Though I suspect y’all know much more about anti aging treatments than I do.

Summing up according to our doctor ( who is a specialist dermatologist) the two most important things one can do to maintain a youthful appearance is 1. Sunscreen and 2. Retin A or something similar

 

[LJsapphire]

I had read that retinol and peptides are good in eye creams.

 

[missy]

I had read that retinol and peptides are good in eye creams.

Funny you should mention that. That is the one place (around the eyes) he said not to apply the Retin A.

 

[LJsapphire]

Funny you should mention that. That is the one place (around the eyes) he said not to apply the Retin A.

on googling I found that retinol is a type of vitamin A and retin-A is retinoic acid and is 100x stronger!

https://stackedskincare.com/blogs/news/the-difference-between-retin-a-retinol-and-retinoid/

 

[missy]

on googling I found that retinol is a type of vitamin A and retin-A is 100x stronger!

https://stackedskincare.com/blogs/news/the-difference-between-retin-a-retinol-and-retinoid/

I’m probably not going to attempt any type of anti aging cream. My skin is super reactive. This dermatologist is not my general derm but a specialist and was just sharing knowledge that applies to most people but definitely not me lol. He just isn’t familiar with my skin and skin reactions.

I think most people can successfully use anti aging topicals. Just be cautious around your eyes. That area is sensitive for most people.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I have a hoarding problem with Urban Decay eyeshadow palettes...I LOVE them. But as I've gotten older, I find that glitter is not my friend. I've bought several other more matte palettes, but they have all looked very dry and crepey on me, not nice and smooth like it does on younger people. Any suggestions for matte/slightly luminous eyeshadow palettes that aren't incredibly drying?

I really like the urban decay Heat palette. Don’t find it too glittery and it goes on really smooth.

I’ve heard using primer first can also help

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Based on the rave recommendations look what I got

 

[SandyinAnaheim]

I really like the urban decay Heat palette. Don’t find it too glittery and it goes on really smooth.
I’ve heard using primer first can also help

Thanks, I'll look at that palette. I've tried NOT to go to Ulta so I don't walk out with another palette that I won't use.....and I use the UD primer, it makes eyeshadow stay on longer, but I think it's the talc in the eyeshadow that is the problem. I used to use the slightly shimmery MAC eyeshadows, and I LOVE those, but like @LJsapphire , I also use only cruelty-free products, and as soon as I learned that my beloved MAC still tests on animals, I got rid of all my products and stopped buying them. MAC is a superior formulation.

 

[monarch64]

There are only two things in the world of beauty/makeup that I would probably cry over being discontinued, and they are SUPER CHEAP.
1. Maybelline Great Last Waterproof mascara
2. Treehut Shea Butter body butter

That's it! I love makeup, perfume, beauty treatments, high-end, mid-price, drugstore, all of it, but those two things (under $10) are the two I would absolutely freak out over not being able to have.

 

[LAJennifer]

Based on the rave recommendations look what I got

I've been using the Japanese sunscreens for quite some time. I always carry that one in my purse - it is perfect for reapplication. It does have a slight citrus scent, but it is very faint and doesn't bother me.

This one, by Hadalabo, is my absolute favorite and is very moisturizing. https://www.amazon.com/Japan-Health...+and+beauty+skin+lab+gokujun+uv+white+gel+90g

 

[AV_]

I have settled into a clay & hot towel routine this summer that seems to keep my troubled skin happy - a serious rarity. Now that it is winter, I am still finding no reason to change anything. I wish I knew to do this since forever... (clay - I knew; have not realized until lately that to keep skin hydrated I should give it a very warm hug every week - at most).

Makeup is still a few Chanel bits remarcable for being almost too subtle to be useful.

-

Uncharacteristically - these days I am finding myself wishing for something nice to paint on (relating to HK of DFT - had to be said!); I have missed the metallic trend entirely & wish to catch up - a little (looking around - properly DAZED!).

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Oooo. Kat von D makes amazing metallic lipsticks!

 

[rainydaze]

Ok. I have struggled with my skin all my life. It's never been just beautifully clear and glowing, but I don't have bad acne either. It goes in waves, I usually have some acne and a little redness, and sometimes I do go through a pretty bad breakout period.

Based on this thread, I tried the Avene Micellar water and Oh. My. God. It didn't clear up my light breakout, but it has softened my skin, tightened my pores, given my skin this incredible glow, evened out most of the redness, and I no longer need moisturizer!!! (Most moisturizers still leave me lightly itchy, or break me out more. I was not oily, nor overly dry, just slightly dry.)

I also got the Avene mineral water mist and while I can't say I am raving about it the way many did in the reviews, it is a nice added touch.

Now all I do is cleanse my face with the micellar water after my shower (no cleansing in the shower, too many product sensitivities that mildly break me out) and again before bed. THAT'S IT! I don't need makeup (foundation, bb cream, anything like that), my skin is that nice now! Touch of blush, lip balm, eyeshadow and mascara and I am good to go.

 

[HollyS]

Skincare can be expensive, especially as we age and need a bit more effort, but I usually find some great deals at Marshall's when it come to Retinol serums, Hyaluronic acids, and high-end toners. These finds are fairly random and can be from many different countries. But instead of spending $25 and up, I can find something great for 5.99 - 7.99.

Right now I'm using a serum with rosehip oil, fruit acids and salicylic acid from Israel that i put on with my moisturizer. It appears to be helping me look firmer and smoother. I also have a Dead Sea scrub I found at Marshall's. But the best exfoliant is still baking soda; seriously.

I love a particular moisturizer from Aveda which is unisex: Botanical Kinetics. No SPF, but I wear IT Cosmetics Better Than Foundation which has a 50+ SPF.

I really like Mario Badescu products, but usually just buy the smaller sizes when I want to indulge. If I see a bump might be forming, the MB Glycolic Foaming Cleanser fixes that issue.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Skincare can be expensive, especially as we age and need a bit more effort, but I usually find some great deals at Marshall's when it come to Retinol serums, Hyaluronic acids, and high-end toners. These finds are fairly random and can be from many different countries. But instead of spending $25 and up, I can find something great for 5.99 - 7.99.

Right now I'm using a serum with rosehip oil, fruit acids and salicylic acid from Israel that i put on with my moisturizer. It appears to be helping me look firmer and smoother. I also have a Dead Sea scrub I found at Marshall's. But the best exfoliant is still baking soda; seriously.

I love a particular moisturizer from Aveda which is unisex: Botanical Kinetics. No SPF, but I wear IT Cosmetics Better Than Foundation which has a 50+ SPF.

I really like Mario Badescu products, but usually just buy the smaller sizes when I want to indulge. If I see a bump might be forming, the MB Glycolic Foaming Cleanser fixes that issue.

My worry about relying on my IT for spf is that I use less than one pump for my whole face because I don’t want a thick layer, and I wonder if I’m getting sufficient spf protection due to how little I use

 

[HollyS]

My worry about relying on my IT for spf is that I use less than one pump for my whole face because I don’t want a thick layer, and I wonder if I’m getting sufficient spf protection due to how little I use

Now that you mention it . . . I don't use too much IT either. Maybe I should rethink that. But in the summer I do use a Mario Badescu SPF30 moisturizer. The sun is brutal in Texas.

 

[missy]

My worry about relying on my IT for spf is that I use less than one pump for my whole face because I don’t want a thick layer, and I wonder if I’m getting sufficient spf protection due to how little I use

Now that you mention it . . . I don't use too much IT either. Maybe I should rethink that. But in the summer I do use a Mario Badescu SPF30 moisturizer. The sun is brutal in Texas.

https://www.skincancer.org/skin-can...nscreen-should-i-be-using-on-my-face-and-body

To achieve the Sun Protection Factor (SPF, which protects against the sun’s UVB radiation) reflected on a bottle of sunscreen, you should use approximately two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin. In practice, this means applying the equivalent of a shot glass (two tablespoons) of sunscreen to the exposed areas of the face and body – a nickel-sized dollop to the face alone

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Yeah I’ve been liking the new Japanese sunblock I got! Definitely using a nickel sized dollop of that

Even in the winter! In fact some of the time the sun is most dangerous in winter during days with no clouds and lots of white reflective snow. People don’t think of needing sun protection in winter but that’s not cause the sun isn’t strong, you just aren’t out bathing in it for prolonged lengths of time.

 

[Jambalaya]

My hair is naturally very curly and EXTREMELY dry, and I've recently discovered DevaCurl and DryBar products. Everything I've used from those brands has been amazing with the exception of the lo-poo shampoo from Deva, which seemed to be drying. The Deva Decadence shampoo and conditioner are both fantastic. I have Deva's microfiber towel which really helps to get rid of frizz, and Drybar's silk pillowcase, which is supposed to be better for your hair and skin. I don't know if that's true, but it feels lovely and luxurious.

For very dry hair, I've also recently discovered the Briogeo moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioner. These left my hair very silky, which is truly incredible with straw hair like mine.

Again for hair, IDK is really fantastic, but mostly too expensive for me.

In the last year I've discovered cleansing oils. My favorites are L'Occitane Shea Cleaning Oil and Kiehl's night-time lavender cleansing oil. Both of them smell amazing.

For make-up, I've found that the Body Shop foundation and mascara is fantastic, and less expensive than luxury brands.

Shiseido Beauty Sleeping mask is great and just seems to overall fix everything.

I'm also washing my hair less, and using co-wash, and this seems to agree with it. I average every four days instead of every other day, and have gone as long as six. Sometimes I use a little dry shampoo, but I find that my hair is less oily now, and when I do shampoo it, it feels so lovely and soft.

 

[AprilBaby]

Retin A and Olay products. Been using both since my 20’s and I have amazing skin.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Hmm. Which one goes on first, moisturizer or sun block or does it not matter?

 

[missy]

Hmm. Which one goes on first, moisturizer or sun block or does it not matter?

Moisturizer should go on first.

 

[Arcadian]

Reviving this thread as I'm starting to overhaul my skincare. Its time as my skin is changing so much.

One of my most stable staples has been Keihls super multi-corrective cream. I really do love this as its very hydrating. I used to only use in winter, but find I have to use in summer now (at night only).

Also with this, I use CeraVe Hyluronic Acid Serum for daytime. I haven't found anything better at the moment but its a great drugstore cheapy that works. I hope to use it forever....lol

My problem is the sunscreen. I've used it for years (Elta MD SPF 46) and its specific for those with acne rosecia or hyperpigmentation. But I think maybe its because of the B3...... whats a good sunscreen without that ingredient?

 

[GliderPoss]

Best sunscreen/moisturiser of all time: https://www.natio.com.au/daily-defence-face-moisturiser-spf-50
I literally hoard tubes of this

Favourite serum/face oil: https://www.aesop.com/au/p/skin/hydrate/lucent-facial-concentrate/
I have seen a dramatic difference in my skin since using this!

Rest I just use pharmacy or supermarket brands.