Latest cosmetic purchases and reviews

qo2cj1dsne8y4k

I wouldn't bother with it. If you're dry you don't want to over exfoliate. If you're flaking, you need more oil/moisture in your skin. Remove dead skin with an exfoliator and use products suitable for your skin type. I think those clarosonics are very gimmicky

StripedBoxers

LexieOnRale wrote: »

I wouldn't bother with it. If you're dry you don't want to over exfoliate. If you're flaking, you need more oil/moisture in your skin. Remove dead skin with an exfoliator and use products suitable for your skin type. I think those clarosonics are very gimmicky

Thank you so much. I generally only exfoliate once a week as any more and like you say, its too much.

Are there any products/brands you could recommend for very dry skin?

I know Image and Dermalogica are highly rated, but they're out of my price range

Yarghhh

GingerLily wrote: »

Speaking of, has anyone got a dupe for the Becca backlighting primer? I love wearing it under makeup and on its own but I can't afford to keep using it every day

This isn't an exact dupe but this stuff is great.

https://boots.scene7.com/is/image/Boots/10182029?id=-Klmv1&fmt=jpg&fit=constrain,1&wid=504&hei=548

qo2cj1dsne8y4k

Am I correct in remembering you're undergoing medical treatment? I'd be a little wary of reccomeding anything purely because if you're the lady I'm thinking of, you'll need to be extremely careful with what you use.
As a general rule, la Roche posy is super quality and much cheaper than the salon brands. I wouldn't really recommend anythi
ng on regards to niviea/garnier.
Have a chat with them in your local pharmacy and get testers.

Are you certain it's dry? Could it be dehydrated? If you're sure it's dry you'll need a good rich moisturiser. Careful to cleanse thoroughly. You can use vitamin C masks this will help with brightening. You could buy vitamin E capsules and puncture them and use the contents on your skin. But please, if you're undergoing treatment, please check with your doctor.

StripedBoxers

LexieOnRale wrote: »

Am I correct in remembering you're undergoing medical treatment? I'd be a little wary of reccomeding anything purely because if you're the lady I'm thinking of, you'll need to be extremely careful with what you use.
As a general rule, la Roche posy is super quality and much cheaper than the salon brands. I wouldn't really recommend anythi
ng on regards to niviea/garnier.
Have a chat with them in your local pharmacy and get testers.

Are you certain it's dry? Could it be dehydrated? If you're sure it's dry you'll need a good rich moisturiser. Careful to cleanse thoroughly. You can use vitamin C masks this will help with brightening. You could buy vitamin E capsules and puncture them and use the contents on your skin. But please, if you're undergoing treatment, please check with your doctor.

Hiya,

Yeah that's me, I am undergoing chemotherapy, I am however finished one type of chemo and I am moving onto the next type of chemo and I have checked with my clinical nurse specialist and my oncologist and I can now use most products, I need to avoid ammonia though, but anything else I can use.

I do use the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Riche Soothing Protecting Cream during the day, but don't find its helping much. Its moisturising but its not doing enough for my skin.

http://www.boots.ie/la-roche-posay-toleriane-riche-soothing-protecting-cream-40ml-10083662

At night I use the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Overnight Care, again its moisturising but I don't feel like its doing a huge amount to help my skin.

http://www.boots.ie/la-roche-posay-toleriane-ultra-overnight-care-40ml-10213453

As for Nivea/Garnier etc I've never really found brands at that price point to be much good, they are fine, but realistically I think I would need to spend a good bit more to get products that will work and make a difference to my skin. I know it would take a while for any difference to become visible, it won't happen overnight.

Definitely dry, I drink about two litres (sometimes more) of water per day so my skin is definitely dry, its a side effect of chemotherapy and my oncologist has said that after I finish chemo my skin will go back to how it was originally (which for me was oily).

My skin is sensitive too, not overly so, but it has always been sensitive.

As for cleansing, do you rate or recommend any of those cleansing brushes? I am always wondering if my skin would be cleaner/brighter if I used one of those with my cleanser?

qo2cj1dsne8y4k

I don't like those brushes to be honest. I know some people swear by them but I did a lot of facials on clients who were using this brush daily and it was exfoliated to the point where it was causing breakouts. My regular facial clients were advised to cut back down to once a week or so with the brushes.

I think with skincare a lot of it is playing on insecurities. You don't need a lot of expensive tools or products. Invest your money in amazing core products and get yourself into a routine. So, a good cleanser, an exfoliator that will suit your skin in its sensitive state, a rich and hydrating day cream (spf is very important) and there's nonreason you cant use the vit e capsule oil on your skin at night.

Water isn't going to make a huge difference To be honest. Your skin is your bodies largest organ and you've been through some extremely intensive treatment so that's going to be expected and you're not going to combat that by products alone. There's a lot going on inside your right now, which a fancy brush or cream wouldn't fix and that's okay - you know once your done, you'll go back to how your skin normally is, like you've been told.

I suppose the biggest thing to remember
Dry - lacks oil
Dehydrated - lacks water

dont get too bogged down buying lots of products, you just need good basics

La.de.da

To exfoliate I use cream cleanser and one of those exfoliating gloves. Obviously very light handed and gentle. Once or twice a week as needed.
Having used the clarasonic, I found it a right pain in the arse tbh. Definitely hyped up.
I use la roch posay cleanser and moogoo moisturizer for dry skin.

Sunny Dayz

I fancied a bit of a makeup haul but without the costs. Cos, ya know, I'm running low on makeup!!


I'm not crazy about Makeup Revolution products, I think they can be hit or miss but there are some gems on their website.


I heart Chocolate Golden Bar palette
https://www.tambeauty.com/en/I-Heart-Makeup-I--Chocolate---Golden-Bar/m-2095.aspx
I've use this so much since I bought it, the range of shades are great and so pigmented. The only compliant is that the box said it was a mix of matte and shimmer but there's no matte in it!


I heart chocolate Vice palette
https://www.tambeauty.com/en/I-Heart-Makeup-I--Chocolate-Vice/m-1097.aspx
I've eyed this up for a while, it looks lovely online. I seen it in store and wasn't pushed on it. But I threw it into my online basket and to be honest I haven't been pushed about using it, I opened it one day to use, just looked at it and closed it again and picked up the Gold Bar palette instead.


Rose Gold lipstick in the shade Chauffeur
https://www.tambeauty.com/en/Makeup-Revolution-Rose-Gold-Lipstick---Chauffeur/m-1557.aspx
This is apparently one of their best selling lipsticks. It looks pretty, wasn't mad about it on my lips at first, a bit ashen looking but it's grown on me. Don't expect any longevity but can't complain for the price!


Freedom HD translucent powder
https://www.tambeauty.com/en/Freedom-Makeup-London-HD-Pro-Finish-Powder---Translucent---Loose/m-1819.aspx
Haven't used this yet, will wait til my current loose powder is gone. The Freedom range is supposed to be the more professional range but I haven't tried anything from them.


Retro Luxe matte lip-kit - shade Reign
https://www.tambeauty.com/en/Makeup-Revolution-Retro-Luxe-Kits-Matte-Reign/m-2239.aspx
Wow! If you want something that literally will not budge, this is it. It's supposed to be a dupe for one of Kylie Cosmetics lipkits. The only thing about it is it doesn't set right away, it feels a bit tacky for a while. But it doesn't go hard and cracked. I put it on at 8:45am and had to use makeup remover to get it off my lips at 6:30pm, after lunch, yoghurt, snack, numerous cups of tea and glasses of water. No budging, a bit of fading but wears so well.


Then a little Catrice splurge yesterday.
Re-purchased the HD foundation, think this is my 3rd bottle. Love it!
http://www.catrice.eu/ie/complexion/make-up/foundation/catrice-cosmetics/hd-liquid-coverage-foundation-010.html


Glam & Doll Curl & Volume mascara
http://www.catrice.eu/ie/eye-makeup/mascara/eyelashes/catrice-cosmetics/glam-doll-curl-volume-mascara-010.html
I use the lilac one False lashes mascara, thought I would pick this one up to try.


Rock Couture extreme volume mascara
http://www.catrice.eu/ie/eye-makeup/mascara/eyelashes/catrice-cosmetics/rock-couture-extreme-volume-mascara-24h-010.html
Also picked up this mascara, the lid looked cool! I'm easy!


Eyebrow pencil Stylist
http://www.catrice.eu/ie/eye-makeup/eyebrow-pencil/eyebrows/catrice-cosmetics/eye-brow-stylist-020.html
Not sure about this one, the pencil feels quite hard.


Copper Collection eyeshadow palette
http://www.catrice.eu/ie/eye-makeup/eyeshadow/eyeshadow/catrice-cosmetics/precious-copper-eyeshadow-palette-010.html
Such lovely shades in this palette. All shimmers though. I used this today, applied mattes from the UD ultimate basics palette and then a wash of this palette over the lid. So far so good

GingerLily

Just ordered some clothes on ASOS and wanted to up my order to use their 'SPEND 200' code (Spend 200e save 50e), and chanced my arm to try see if The Ordinary products are included - they were!
So I got the Retenoid 2% (repurchase), lactic acid 5%, niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and the vitamin C 23% suspension!

The clothing was 170e full price and my whole order was 152e so I saved money! (The SPEND15O code brought my pre skincare order to 140e so definitely worth upping your spend)! Winning!!

neonsofa

StripedBoxers wrote: »

Hiya,

Yeah that's me, I am undergoing chemotherapy, I am however finished one type of chemo and I am moving onto the next type of chemo and I have checked with my clinical nurse specialist and my oncologist and I can now use most products, I need to avoid ammonia though, but anything else I can use.

I do use the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Riche Soothing Protecting Cream during the day, but don't find its helping much. Its moisturising but its not doing enough for my skin.

http://www.boots.ie/la-roche-posay-toleriane-riche-soothing-protecting-cream-40ml-10083662

At night I use the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Overnight Care, again its moisturising but I don't feel like its doing a huge amount to help my skin.

http://www.boots.ie/la-roche-posay-toleriane-ultra-overnight-care-40ml-10213453

As for Nivea/Garnier etc I've never really found brands at that price point to be much good, they are fine, but realistically I think I would need to spend a good bit more to get products that will work and make a difference to my skin. I know it would take a while for any difference to become visible, it won't happen overnight.

Definitely dry, I drink about two litres (sometimes more) of water per day so my skin is definitely dry, its a side effect of chemotherapy and my oncologist has said that after I finish chemo my skin will go back to how it was originally (which for me was oily).

My skin is sensitive too, not overly so, but it has always been sensitive.

As for cleansing, do you rate or recommend any of those cleansing brushes? I am always wondering if my skin would be cleaner/brighter if I used one of those with my cleanser?

There is a balm that people who have been through chemo swear by. It's aquaphor. Made by eucerin. It's like a vaseline type balm and it is known to work wonders on scabs and dry cracked skin. It creates a protective barrier that allows passage of water vapour. So it doesn't do what vaseline does- keeping moisture out- it actually forms a layer of protection but allows that vapour for hydration. If you can find a hydrating gel and then pop on the aquaphor over it after it sinks in it works wonders. You'll be a slime ball though! I use it on my lips all the time now.

BeeMee_123

Ive just bought the maybelline super stay primer, it get's a no from me.

It does give a lovely glow to the skin though.

I have oily/combination skin and it does not keep my make up in place. Baring in mind im still to find a primer that does just that.

I do like the new rimmel spray primer but it's not practical to be putting on on the way to work and would much prefer a cream based primer.

Toastytoes

StripedBoxers wrote: »

Lads, has anyone used the Clarisonic Plus Sonic skin cleansing for face and body? Would you recommend it? I could get one from a friend but don't want to buy it (its brand new) if its not worth it. It has the sensitive brush head.

I have another face cleansing brush that I got in TK Maxx for about €15, but its not great to be honest, I just don't feel like my face is clean with it. It's very soft, its softer than a babies toothbrush.

I have very dry skin and plenty of flaking around my nose, and my skin looks dull, so I wonder would the Clarisonic help with the flaking and dullness?

Would appreciate any help at all with this.

I was recently given a small size of this to try by a friend and found it great, would love to repurchase but cannot find it anywhere online in Ireland/UK to buy.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/estee-lauder-soft-clean-moisture-rich-foaming-cleanser/2839018

It left my face feeling soft and clean, it smelled nice too.

I have this exact brush and love it. I don't use it everyday but my skin is so much clearer and less congested looking when I use it regularly. I don't find it too harsh, the brush doesn't spin so doesn't scrub as such. It vibrates. I have sensitive skin and psoriasis so if it was harsh I wouldn't be able to tolerate it. I'd recommend it from my own experience. I use it in the shower, it's waterproof, which I find really handy. There's a preprogrammed setting of 20 seconds forehead, 20 chin/nose and 10 seconds per cheek. This is the one I use and find it perfect, not too long in any one area.

I've never used the body attachment (yet), mainly cos I never took it out of the box so completely forgot about it.

Dial Hard

Sunny Dayz wrote:

Eyebrow pencil Stylist.

Not sure about this one, the pencil feels quite hard.

It's *very* hard. I had to stop using it because it was dragging hairs out of my brows and I sure as sh!t can't afford to lose them!

They have another one that's more like a felt-tip pen but it looks incredibly "fake" on. I ditched them both and went for Sephora Eyebrow Editor.

BeeMee_123

I quite like the essence eyebrow mascara

idunno78

I caved and bought the modern renaissance palette! Got it in Sephora so won't get it for a few weeks! Wanted it the last two months but have been putting it of! Have heard nothing but good things about it!

I got the NYX brow mascara just before Xmas and find it really good! I have decent brows already so don't know how it would be for filling in but for holding on place and making look a little fuller it's perfect!

Spudgun

not really make up but these little pots are great for holding makeup brushes €1 each in home store and more

keredern

So I've gone a bit 'The Ordinary' nuts!!!

Their products are out of this world!

My skin is just loving them.

I am so impressed with the quality, the price, the results, and most importantly, their ethos - cruelty free.

They have just released three new products;

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

The first one will definitely be replacing my PIXI Glow Tonic when it's finished.

Another new product is Argireline Solution 10%, known as ‘Botox in a Bottle’ by Wayne Goss...can't wait to try it.

I've only received orders one and two so far. :rolleyes:

Highly recommend this company.


First Order!

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil by The Ordinary (30-ml)
£9.00 1 £9.00

Buffet by The Ordinary (30-ml)
£12.70 1 £12.70

Advanced Retinoid 2% by The Ordinary (30-ml)
£8.00 1 £8.00

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 by The Ordinary (30-ml)
£5.90 1 £5.90

High Adherence Silicone Primer by The Ordinary (30-ml)
£3.90 1 £3.90


Second Order!

The Ordinary
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA - 30ml
5.80 x 2 11.60

NIOD
Fractionated Eye-Contour Concentrate - 15ml
51.00 x 1 51.00

The Ordinary
“Buffet” - 30ml
14.80 x 1 14.80

The Ordinary
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA - 30ml
8.90 x 1 8.90

The Ordinary
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F - 30ml
17.70 x 1 17.70

The Ordinary
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% - 30ml
7.20 x 1 7.20

The Ordinary
Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% - 30ml
6.79 x 1 6.79

The Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 - 30ml
6.80 x 1 6.80

The Ordinary
Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% - 30ml
5.80 x 1 5.80

The Ordinary
100% Plant-Derived Squalane - 30ml
7.20 x 1 7.20


Third Order!

Hylamide
HA Blur - 30ml
19.00 x 1 19.00

The Ordinary
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA - 30ml
5.80 x 1 5.80

The Ordinary
Matrixyl 10% + HA - 30ml
11.50 x 1 11.50

The Ordinary
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% - 30ml
5.90 x 2 11.80

The Ordinary
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil - 30ml
9.80 x 1 9.80

The Ordinary
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil - 30ml
6.80 x 1 6.80


Fourth Order!

The Ordinary
Argireline Solution 10% - 30ml
7.20 x 1 7.20

The Ordinary
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil - 30ml
9.80 x 1 9.80

The Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 - 30ml
6.80 x 1 6.80

The Ordinary
100% Plant-Derived Squalane - 30ml
7.20 x 1 7.20

The Ordinary
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA - 30ml
5.80 x 1 5.80

The Ordinary
“Buffet” - 30ml
14.80 x 1 14.80

Aeternum

Has anyone else tried Smashboxs newest primer? It's supposed to be a radiance boosting one and comes in a glass jar as opposed to a tube.

I got a sample of it and have to say I'm so unimpressed - I love the original photo finish primer and the hydrating one so had high hopes for this new one. I've normal to dry skin and I love a dewy finish to my foundation but I found that this made no difference, either as a primer or for adding any kind of glow.

keredern

Thought I'd post my current skincare routine which seems to be having great results.

Morning routine

Superdrug Hot Cloth Vitamin E Cleanser
PIXI Glow Tonic
NIOD Fractionated Eye-Contour Concentrate
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Buffet
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Mineral Fusion Intense Hydration Face Cream


Evening routine

Botanics Eye Makeup Remover
Superdrug Hot Cloth Vitamin E Cleanser
PIXI Glow Tonic
NIOD Fractionated Eye-Contour Concentrate
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Buffet
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil
Jojoba Balancing Oil
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Mineral Fusion Intense Hydration Face Cream


Night routine

PIXI Cleansing wipe
Non branded Lidl eye cream
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil
Superdrug Vitamin E Oil
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Aldi Expert Night Cream

Surreptitious

I can't believe how much work that takes! I hardly put anything on my face. Maybe I'm wrong but I wouldn't know where to start.

keredern

Surreptitious wrote: »

I can't believe how much work that takes! I hardly put anything on my face. Maybe I'm wrong but I wouldn't know where to start.

I know, it looks a lot!

But it only takes me 10 mins.

And so far so good!

I've had so many skin issues over the past while, redness, irritation, even swelling.

I always had normal to combination skin, but had a major reaction to an unknown allergen in Oct last (looked like a baboon's arse literally!!!) and my skin has been incredibly dry ever since.

Texture like sand paper and extreme flaking were a daily experience until I discovered The Ordinary!

retro:electro

Omg! That is extensive! Your skin doesn't mind the mix of glycolic and hyaluronic acid no? My skin can't tolerate using the two at the same time

njs030

Why do you have an evening and a night routine?

keredern

notjustsweet wrote: »

Why do you have an evening and a night routine?

I always remove my makeup when I get home, so just got into the habit of doing a skincare session then!

I then do the same before bed.

It's totally overkill but my skin seems to be loving it so I'll keep going.

Obviously, if it causes issues in the future, I'll change it.

keredern

anna080 wrote: »

Omg! That is extensive! Your skin doesn't mind the mix of glycolic and hyaluronic acid no? My skin can't tolerate using the two at the same time

So far, there's been no issues.

Been doing this for about a month to 6 weeks.

Admittedly, I don't always use the PIXI - more because I forget, than by design!

But from what I've been reading, I'm surprised you find the HA causes issues?

If I understand correctly, the HA helps to increase the effects of moisturisers, and the gycolic acts as an exfoliant?

But I'm definitely no expert, so could have that arseways!

Teapot30

I bought a pomegranate and white nettle firming facemask by Kaeso beauty yesterday, I bought it in a beauty supply shop, it says its to be sold exclusively to spas and salons on the tub. I tried it out last night and noticed a big difference in my skins firmness, fine lines around my eyes were really reduced.
Depressingly it made me realise how bad skin has become in the last year or two as my skin looked like it did 3 years ago after using it but id recommend it.

ciaradx

I'm also on a bit of The Ordinary buzz!

My routine now is:
Morning:
Alpha-arbutin 2% + hyaluronic acid
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Estee Lauder daywear moisturiser

Night:
Garnier micellar water to remove make-up
Alpha-arbutin 2% + hyaluronic acid
Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA spheres 2%
Rosehip oil

I have red pigmentation problems and dryness and after a month of use, I've noticed a definite difference. My makeup looks better too.

saggycaggy

keredern wrote: »

I know, it looks a lot!

But it only takes me 10 mins.

And so far so good!

I've had so many skin issues over the past while, redness, irritation, even swelling.

I always had normal to combination skin, but had a major reaction to an unknown allergen in Oct last (looked like a baboon's arse literally!!!) and my skin has been incredibly dry ever since.

Texture like sand paper and extreme flaking were a daily experience until I discovered The Ordinary!

I'm looking to start a new skin regime but have literally no idea where to start and which products to use-I've survived the last 33 years on face-wash and good auld Astral cream:P
How do you know which products to go for-does the website guide you? I wouldn't know where to start but have heard great things about the Ordinary products.

Ciaradx I'd have similar problems to that-dry skin and red pigmentation, I must read up on the products you are using! thanks!

Yarghhh

saggycaggy wrote: »

I'm looking to start a new skin regime but have literally no idea where to start and which products to use-I've survived the last 33 years on face-wash and good auld Astral cream:P
How do you know which products to go for-does the website guide you? I wouldn't know where to start but have heard great things about the Ordinary products.

Ciaradx I'd have similar problems to that-dry skin and red pigmentation, I must read up on the products you are using! thanks!

Most people who don't know much seem to start from the website's recommended routines. http://theordinary.com/regimenguide

From the website:

"We have also provided some example regimens below:

Example regimen for general signs of age:
AM: Buffet, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5; PM: Buffet, Advanced Retinoid 2%, 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

Example regimen for pigmentation issues:
AM: Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate Solution 10%; PM: Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA, Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, Advanced Retinoid 2%

Example regimen for dehydration:
AM: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate Solution 10%; PM: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Advanced Retinoid 2%; 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

Note: If using CAIS from our NIOD brand, it is important that CAIS is applied at least 30 seconds before the application of the following products from The Ordinary: Lactic Acid 5%/10% + HA 2%, Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%, Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%."

Yarghhh

You obviously don't need to use The Ordinary but if you even look up the ingredients in those products and what they do it becomes clearer.