What We're Using
[ 20 January 2008 ]
I thought it would be interesting to do a periodical round-up on the beauty products we’re all using & how well they’re working for us. It’s a good way to trade information & find products you might like to test out yourself.
Here’s my current line-up:
FACE
Cleanser: Simple Purifying Cleansing Lotion
I bought a really interesting book at the Daylesford Book Barn (!) called Supermodel’s Beauty Secrets, which actually turned out to be quite a good read. The best part of the book, though, was where the author gave product suggestions. She named a few different products that she claimed were “model staples”, among them Vaseline Lip Therapy, Nivea Crème, Astral Moisturiser, The Body Shop Elderflower Eye Gel & Simple Cleansing Lotion. I have been so frustrated with my skincare routine lately, so I did some research (Make-Up Alley, I love you!) & decided to pick up the Simple cleanser. It’s really lovely & gentle & I feel like it gives me a thorough cleanse. I will definitely buy this again. My skin isn’t perfect right now, but I think that is mostly due to the fact that I am still detoxing — I can feel it.
Toner: 1/5 apple cider vinegar to 4/5 purified water
I made my own toner using apple cider vinegar & purified water. It sits in a little blue glass bottle & I just shake it up before I use it. Apple cider vinegar is great for treating individual spots (undiluted), but all over the face it’s very drying & a bit much. Mixed with water, it is a very effective toner & I’m pretty sure it’s contributing to my good skin at the moment!
Moisturiser: Nivea Crème
Nivea Crème is another one of the products recommended by Supermodel’s Beauty Secrets, & I like it. However, it’s very thick & heavy, almost too heavy for my skin. I use a miniscule amount on my face & I’m still finding I look quite shiny under my make-up. I like the brand though, so I might switch to Nivea Light.
Serums: Christian Dior Capture Essential serum (face & eyes)
Yet another product recommended by the book! Okay, I love these serums a LOT. I use them morning & night, after toning but before moisturising. They make my skin look so good that I feel like I could skip foundation & still look great. That is pretty much the highest praise I’m ever going to give a skin product! They have quite a strong smell but it’s really not a big deal. They were expensive, too, but I find that the pump dispenser gives the exact right amount, so you never feel like you’re wasting any, which is a bonus.
...I have heard amazing things about the Babor cleansing system, but if this current routine keeps working for me, I’m not going to change! Of course, it’s hard to know whether my skin looks great because of the products I’m using, or whether it is mostly due to the fact that I am eating raw, but I think it’s probably a combination of factors.
HAIR
Shampoo: Healthy Hair Sexy Hair Chocolate Soy Milk Shampoo
I bought this because the girl in the haircare shop told me that she used it on her coloured hair & that it worked wonders. I should have read the reviews on Make-up Alley before I plonked down $30! First of all, this shampoo smells divine. It’s so good that I always take a deep inhalation of it before using it. Unfortunately, it also makes my hair quite fluffy, which is really disappointing. I like my hair sleek & flat unless I tell it otherwise. So, while the smell is fantastic, the fluffiness factor is totally bunk. I will be buying something else next time…
Hair treatment: KMS Colorvitality Color Protect Spray
My old hairdressers recommended this for protecting my colour. I just spray it in when I get out of the shower — it helps to lock in the colour & de-tangle my hair. Well, this stuff is incredible! I will definitely be buying it again, it has done wonders for the vitality of my hair colour! Brilliant!
OTHER
Nails: Dr Lewinn’s Revitanail
I have heard great things about this product, so I finally bit the bullet & bought some. It contains formaldehyde — eep — so they don’t recommend you use it forever, just in short bursts. You basically reapply it every day for five days & then take it off, give your nails a rest for a bit & go through the process again. While this is slightly tedious, I have seen an enormous improvement in the strength of my nails, & they are also longer than I’ve ever seen them. YAY!
So, what products are you using on your face, hair, body? What do you think of them? What’s your holy grail — the products you keep returning to? Tell us your secrets!
Super-love & cupcakes,
Gala
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my reccomendation for skincare is the st. ives acne prone skin cleanser. it’s strong enough to treat your blemishes, but still gentle enough to use everyday. i also really love loreal truematch foundation mixed with clean and clear morning burst moisturizer. it makes my makeup lighter, and is also spf AND takes care of two steps in one! phew!
hairwise… i like the natural instincts color shine/glaze. it’s like hairdye, but it boosts the shine of your hair and makes it stronger. LOVE IT!
http://www.maybelline.com/Product/Eye/Mascara/intense-xxl-volume-and-length-washable-microfiber-mascara.htm
i love that stuff. [:
pretty much anything from Lush. It’s all SOOO good!
I use St. Ives products to. They leave my skin feeling soo clean and refreshing. Makeup wise I only use Rimmel. Its the only eyeliner which stay’s on my eye’s. Any other brand wear’s off after 2-3 hours. I only use eyeliner and waterproof Mascara. I have this makeup remover by Rimmel thats meant for cleaning off eye make which is really gentel. I love it, it doesn’t irrate my eye’s or anything which is really good, because I wear contact’s on a regular basis. For hair I use got2be product’s. I have really oily hair and use alot of product’s daily. (Leave-in conditioner, shine spray, Hair-Straighting Gel, Hairspray, Heat protection stuff, and Sunscreen) And the got2be shampoo is the only shampoo I’ve come acroos that doesn’t irrate my scalp and removes all the oil’s and product. The conditioner leave my hair fairly soft, and make it look healthier then it is. I like you Gala have a dark natural colour and for a year and a half though it was a good idea to bleach my hair every 2 weeks. Bad idea. I’m not in the process of bringing life back into my hair. So any recomendation to help would be excellent.
About the Nivea Creme:
My Austrian besties have used it their entire lives, but now that they’ve matured and so has their skin, they’ve made the switch to the lighter formula of Nivea Light. They, and I alike, adore it. It’s like a luxury creme, but cheaper. :D
My regiment?
My skin is uber sensitive, so is hard to choose products, luckily what I’m using now are great!
For cleansing Olay Cleansing Pads for sensitive skins {awesome!}, Aveene UV face cream, body lotion is L’Oreal {don’t remember what but is good}, an 30% urea cream for my arms {hyperkeratosis! >o}...I wish I still had lush shampoo but I don’t, so I’m using a Sedal shampoo/conditioner, though I have a great hair so it doesn’t need that many treatments
yout toner sounds like a great idea, I may try it!
kisses
Sorry about the last comment.
I don’t know why it died.
About the Nivea Creme:
My Austrian besties have used it their entire lives, but now that they’ve matured and so has their skin, they’ve made the switch to the lighter formula of Nivea Light. They, and I alike, adore it. It’s like a luxury creme, but cheaper. :D
My regiment?
Lush’s Fresh Farmacy and Eau Roma Toner, and Lush’s Imperialis moisturizer. It’s the only thing that doesn’t turn me into a walking-rash! (I’m furiously blushing at saying that though!)
Victoria’s Secret Body Butter. It has the same consistancy of ice-cream or icing, and you can get it in many different sweet scents. For 10$, it was well worth the price to get smooth skin with a little shimmer.
I’m using a generic hair brand (Sunsilk), and switching today from their Hydra-TLC Formula to Anti-Poof. If anyone’s had any experience on these, please do share! They’re a little… blah to me, but I do have ridiculously thick and strange hair too.
Makeupalley’s Aspirin Mask is a great pick-me up, but watch out if you have spots. They may burn badly!
I’ve heard OPI has a great nail strenghtener, so you could always try this out if you like their polishes.
By the way, Nivea has a great line of products. From creams, to cellulite potions to tanners, they’re all amazing.
So, that’s my stuff so far.
I can’t wait to see what everyone else uses.
:D
I really like St. Ives stuff also. It smells like apricot and they don’t test on animals. Yay!
I’m still looking for a good mascara. I might try out the Maybelline brand…
I’ve never really ventured too far into the world of make-up, but the one product I swear by (seriously, if I forget to bring it with me on trips I get really disappointed) is Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion.
It’s really fabulous- especially since I simultaneously have oily and dry skin. (I know the concept is difficult to grasp, but I live in an arid area- on one hand, if I don’t put on lotion, my skin gets really dry, but on the other, if I don’t have the right kind, my skin is really oily. Gross.)
I use
* Neutrogena Ultra Clean creme cleanser with this awesome scrubby brush that has rubbery bits to stimulate circulation in the face from Shiseido
* Johnsons clean and clear moisturiser (although I did try Nivea. I also found it too heavy)
* Simple make-up wipes. These are awesome! I do heaps of plays and they are only thing that will strip stage make with out killing my skin.
* Head and Shoulders menthol shampoo. I don’t condition my hair that often because it makes all soft poofy and I prefer it a little shaggier and dirtier looking.
* And I use too many hair products to list them. But Sunsilk booster hairsray for curly hair is pretty cool.
And I pretty much shop religiously at Priceline. Man I love that place.
My holy grial right now is Garnier Maple Extract Softening Creme. I used to have a chronic problem with my hands, they would get like scales and look like they’ve been burned and this creme worked better than anything the dermatologist told me to get.
Besides that for my face I use the seaweed kit from The Body Shop along with the Tree Oil mask for my nose. For my body I use the Garnier maple extract body cream.
Recently, I’ve been using products From Rimmel and I love the mascara and the mousse foundation, it is very lightweight.
Kisses.
My main concern when buying beauty products is whether the product is tested on animals. I still own quite a few products made by companies which do, but I don’t intend to buy any more.
I cleanse my face with plain water; I don’t use cleanser unless I’ve had makeup on all day, (my skin is irritated pretty easily). I don’t use a toner, and Simple moisturising lotion is my moisturiser. I’m looking for a moisturiser with sunscreen which doesn’t test on animals, to no avail =\
I love Lush’s Snow Fairy shower gel. I usually use Tresemme shampoo and conditioner, occasionally American Cream conditioner from Lush. I don’t use any products in my hair.
When it comes to makeup, I use MAC and Australis.
+ Cetaphil cleanser – I’ve used this for years and my face is never flaky.
+ birth control pills (these seem to work well for me)
+ Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel (love this stuff!)
+ Clinique CityBlock SPF 40 (doesn’t clog my face like a lot of things)
+ Spectro for pimples
+ Solugel for any deep painful zits (this stuff is brilliant for those, but useless on regular pimples)
+ Avon eye makeup remover (so-so)
+ Burt’s Bees lip balm (lovely tingle)
+ Alba skin scrub (wonderful)
Hair:
+ Joico – it’s okay for my thin hair but nothing special
Nail polish:
+ Chanel – best stuff ever, but pricey
+ Avon – almost as good as Chanel but like, $3
Gala—
Are you not using Lush anymore?
Cleanser: Prescriptives “All Clean”. I think this stuff is great for people in their younger 20s because it cleanses off all the excess oil without drying out the skin.
Toner: Prescriptives again. The blue one, I forget the name. It makes my skin very soft and preps it well for the moisturizer to be effective. My pores are so much smaller when I use this stuff!
Moisturizer: I just got Lush’s “Imperials” moisturizer last week at the post-Christmas buy one-get one sale and I am so happy with it! I expected worse for how affordable ($20) it is. Plus is smells like summer. :)
Eye cream: Mario Badescu glycerin eye cream. I love Mario Badescu products because they are affordable, very high quality, and gentle on the skin.
Mask: Mario Badescu enzyme revitalizing mask. This stuff is amazing! I use it before going out at night or if I have an interview or something important and it makes me glow all day.
Shampoo: Phyto moisturizing shampoo. At first I couldn’t get over the lack of lather, but it turned out to be a good thing: Phyto is all natural so there are no chemicals producing a frothy soapy lather. This stuff made my red hair last forever! I love Phyto but they are a bit expensive…I was working at Nordstrom and got a fat discount when I got my last bottle so it’s gonna hurt to pay full price this time.
Conditioner: I was using Phyto ‘s hair mask but I ran out. :( Now I am using Redken’s “Clear Moisture” and I like it almost as much. My hair doesn’t feel weighed down.
Body Wash: Philosophy’s Mimosa 3-in-1 body wash/shampoo/bubble bath. I am split on this one. Firstly, it only is good as a body wash. If I wash my hair with it it fades my color and the bubble bath doesn’t…bubble. I love the smell of it, but I kind of doubt that it is cleansing me very well. I haven’t had acne on my back for like…5 years and I am starting to get it again. Yeah, gross. I’ve switched to a Mario Badescu wash for the moment, but I’m still looking for something better.
+ LUSH BATH BOMBS! I am addicted! It can be expensive when you are as addicted as I am, but very very worth it. My best ideas come in the bath. AND I feel like I have some kind of aura when I go out. haha
P.S. An Aussie brand I love that I have not heard anyone else mention is Becca. I worked next to them when I worked for Origins at Nordstrom and fell in love with their products! It’s a lot of subtle, bold bright colors and muted fine sparkles.
beccacosmetics.com
Oooohh, great idea Gala!
I use a lot of Benefit products. – Benefit Dr.Feelgood is EXCELLENT! Put it on before your make-up, and your skin is sooo smooth, and velvety.
- Benefit Touch Me Then Try to Leave Me Bathina body cream. DIVINE!
- Benefit Bad Gal lash mascara. AMAZING! I also love DiorShow mascara.
- Nars Blush in Orgasm. Nice natural colour.
- Laura Mercier lip gloss. Not too sticky and it makes your lips nice and shiny.
- Origins Modern Friction makes your skin sooo soft and clean.
- Neutrogena cleansers (I switch it up for summer and winter) and Oil Free moisture SPF 15.
- Revlon nail polishes.
- Maybelline Wonderfinish foundation.
- Crabtree and Evelyn Jojoba Oil body wash.
And my miracle products…
- Smith’s Rosebud Salve, which I use on lips, dry skin, cuticles etc.
- Klorane Extra Gentle Dry Shampoo.
- Clarins Beauty Flash Balm.
cetahphil skin cleanser, sometimes mix in baking soda for exfolation; maybelline wonderfinish foundation (really wickedd awesome finish, looks natural and blends perfectly into my skin with really good coverage); covergirl clean pressed powder; body butter (brands vary); glysomed handcream (best one i’ve tried); nivea lip care (best one i’ve tried); vaseline
i love all of these products and i don’t think i would ever change them
i love the toner idea of yours! i must try it…
Star — Nope! Not right now. Since they discontinued Afterlife I’ve been on the search for an all-new routine which works as well. Grrrr.
Sarah, i was going to say those exact same mascaras!! still can’t decide which i like better…
i love NARS for all my face makeup … use the oil-free foundation in fiji, powder in fiji, and blush in gilda
other then that, i use cerave cleanser and moisturizer… very similar to cetaphil, but i like it a little better. tried some skincare stuff from lush but it made me break out terribly and i couldn’t tell which product it was so i had to discontinue use of all of them :-(
still can’t find shampoo and conditioner i love. my hair is very greasy and dry at the same time which is a hard combination to work with.
I’ve become concerned recently with what I’m putting on my skin. As I detox the inside, I’m trying to give the outside a break too, so I’m gradually trying to get down to as many natural products as I can. The general rule seems to be, if I can’t eat it, it doesn’t go on my face. While it wasn’t so great at first (while my skin adjusted), things are going better now, and I’m hoping for fabulous hair and skin soon. But, here’s what I use right now:
Hair: I wash with a paste of baking soda and water, and then condition it with one part apple cider vinegar to four parts of water, just sprayed on from a bottle. Occasionally, I condition with honey. My hair’s looking better and better, and it air dries a lot better now, too, with a lot less flyaways.
Skin: Although I resort to cetaphil when away from home, I usually use the oil cleansing method (castor and olive oil), which means that I don’t usually use moisturizer – seriously, this doesn’t leave my skin oily – it’s great, and really dissolves grime.) When my skin needs some extra papmpering, I use a mask/scrub of oats, milk, and sometimes honey, or a mask of egg and lemon juice – leaves my skin sooo soft. Also, I drink a lot more water, and exercise more, which makes a big difference.
Makeup: This area I’m still working on, but I love Burt’s Bees lipsticks (sheer, lovely colours, and lots of moisture). Other than that, the rest of my makeup is not much to write home about.
Jenn — Oh, it’s so interesting that you’re using the oil cleansing method, I’ve heard such good things about it!
I just bought some Noxema facial cleanser TODAY! So I have yet to try it…
but as for my hair I either use Redken Color Protect or the Paul Mitchell color line. Right now its PM. Either works AMAZINGLY.
And a Paul Mitchell Moisture weekly deep conditioning treatment. (Comb through after shampooing. Put a showercap on. Rinse at very end of shower with cool water. Tada!)
And for styling I use Redken ‘Straight’, TG Superstar line, and TG After Party.
(I definitely love working at a salon and getting a huge discount on product. And I definitely recommend both Paul Mitchell and Redken products. I LOVE LOVE LOVE them.)
Tons of Lipsmackers are rolling around my purse…Rimmel mascara. (I forget the name Its in the pink and black tube…ha) Bonnebell eyeshadows or random brightly colored shadows I’ve bought. Maybelline eyeliner, foundation,and loose powder. And always a light dusting of Bonnebell bronzer over my cheeks. Bath and Bodyworks body wash and lotion in Sweetpea!!
And that would be everything!!
I use Estee Lauder Soft Clean Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser. It’s a bit expensive ($30 cnd.) but you only need a tiny bit, and it usually lasts me for about six months. It never dries out my skin, leaves me sparkling clean and smells delicious. I also use Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moiturizing Lotion. It’s the only moisturizer that doesn’t feel too heavy but moisturizes effectively, that I’ve tried. Other than that I use St. Ives Apricot Scrub a few times a week and I’m good. Oh, I would also recommend Clinique’s spot treatment gel for the occasional blemish. Again, these are all a bit of an investment but I’ve found that they last longer than cheaper products and actually WORK! For my lips, I absoluely swear by Burt’s Bees lip balm. I’m in love with it.
For cleansing I use the oil cleansing method, except with just olive oil as that’s all I had when I wanted to try it and it works great so I figure why mess with it?
I don’t tone as it just dried me out when I tried.
I use Nivea “soft” moisturiser at night and Nivea visage light daily moisture cream during the day. The Nivea website is really great for free samples, as I mentioned in a blog post recently. I try everything new they come out with, for free.
I wash my hair with Lush’s Reincarnate on Monday, the same again on Wednesday but I also use whatever conditioner I can find (Pantene Brunette Expressions is pretty great though), and then on Friday I use The Body Shop Banana shampoo.
I’ve been using the Lush solid shampoo bars and I’m pretty happy with them (plus, it works out to be pretty cheap since they last forever). My hair is a lot shinier then it used to be, and it feels cleaner.
For nails, I’m a pretty big fan of OPI’s Russian Navy.
Other than that I’m in the process of finding stuff that works and I can stick to.
I’m going through a real basic routine at the moment!
I use Cetaphil cleanser & moisturiser- in the green tub. I used to only use Clarins but after a recommendation, Cetaphil has really made my skin glowy & soft, the moisturiser is a great base for foundation. I use Almay’s Skin Stays Clean, a light dusting of Maybelline Pressed Powder. For eyes at the moment I am using elf products, they were a great buy!
Lips, I use Lucas paw paw on it’s own or Lancome juicy tubes.
A couple of months ago I started using the Matis range (cleanser, toner, mosituriser & sunscreen) and my skin has very much improved.
I use Matrix Biolage hair products, they are great and smell so nice (which is almost as important). I’ve tried a lot of different brands for dry hair over the last few years, and Biolage is the best by far.
I absolutely swear by Environ (http://www.environ.co.za) skincare. I started using their products early 2005 (so about three years ago) when I moved to Auckland. The change in climate from Wellington to Auckland (albeit a small one) started wreaking havoc with my skin & causing me massive breakouts & my beauty therapist recommended trying Environ. I’ve been using it ever since. I use their Alpha-Hydroxy Toner Forte, Interactive Cleaning Gel & Original Classic Moisturiser.
Outside of the Environ range, I’ve used Origin’s “A Perfect World for Eyes” treatment for about three years as well. It’s an instant eye opener for puffy/tired eyes! Oh, & it feels lovely absolutely lovely to apply too.
That’s all. I’m pretty low maintenance really. :) xoxo
Oh & I just can’t get enough of St Ives (http://www.stives.com) body washes. I’ve used them since… well, forever! The Collagen Elastin one is just awesome. The zesty fragrence of Energizing Citrus is great for your morning shower if your super tired & you need an instant wake-me-up! The Oatmeal & Shea Butter is lovely too, but I think Swiss Vanilla is my all-time favourite. :D
The one beauty product that I have been using consistently for more than a decade is Camille Beckman’s Glycerine Hand Therapy. It is the thickest, creamiest hand cream and I always get comments on how soft my hands are. I’m addicted, and it helps that most of the (many, many) scents smell fantastic.
Currently I’m on a kick for natural (or mostly natural) products, and I’m still experimenting with what works and what doesn’t. Before I cared, Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser was so awesome for my skin. I’m currently using Lush’s Angels On Bare Skin, and I love the ritual and scent of it. It makes my skin very soft and smooth, but I’m also breaking out more (I may just need to start moisturizing).
As for shampoo, Naked Bee Gentle Cleansing Shampoo and Conditioner is the only shampoo I’ve tried recently that’s AMAZING. My sister and I both agree that it’s wonderful for our thick, wavy, frizzy hair. Unfortunately, however, it only comes in a wee travel size. Gets expensive!
Skincare:
-Coalface Soap from Lush is truly fantastic. It leaves my skin soft and clean and non-oily all day long, and does wonders for clearing up blemishes.
-A splash of rosewater
-Lush’s Celestial moisturisor, which is softening without leaving my skin greasy and feels like putting vanilla frosting on my face.
-Vaseline on my lips, under my eyes and under my brows.
-Finally, some lavender or tea tree oil on any blemishes.
Hair:
-Lush’s Big Shampoo a couple times a week and Seanick on a regular basis. Big’s scent is fresh and clean, it’s like sea air. Seanick is like that but also has some floral elements to the scent that are absolutely delightful! They both leave my hair incredibly shiny, clean and volumized because they get rid of ALL buildup, it’s marvelous. Seanick is just a little more moisturizing.
-Druide nourishing conditioner and leave-in conditioning spray. I love this stuff because it works beautifully, doesn’t test on animals and the bottles are recyclable.
My favourite lotion is Lush’s Dream Cream, which isn’t too heavy but incredibly softening, and smells like pastries.
As you can see, I’m a huge advocate of LUSH because, like Druide, none of the products test on animals and they all have biodegradable packaging, if any packaging at all. So really, I’m doing a good deed by getting beautifully soft skin and hair. Score!
Cleanser-Cetaphil-I started using this about 4 years ago when I was having major allergic reactions on my face. It is unscented, very gentle, I use it year ‘round. Moisturizer-right now I’m using the Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew, but I am looking to try something when I use this up. I have tried the Eye serum, but it has not helped my puffy under eye area!
Mascara-Kiss Me Mascara by Blinc. It has changed my life! All other mascaras I have tried ended up smudging and melting so bad. But the Blinc forms little tubes around each lash and doesn’t budge until I remove it (gentle pressure and water, it peels off like paint!).
Face:
Clean And Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser. I love how I can feel it woking, and they make it oil-free.
Then MAC Studio Moisture Ceam. It’s light and gives my skin the right ammount of moisture to keep it from feeling stretched out. It also has a light fragrance that I just adore.
I’m currently out of it, so I’ve been using a free bottle of L’Oeal’s Skin Genesis in it’s place. A little bit of this serum goes a long way. It’s really nice and silky!
At the end of the day to remove my makeup I use Oil Fee ALMAY Make up remover. The package says it’s only for the eyes, but I love how it makes my face feel so clean and soft after using it all over.
Skin: I’ve just picked up a bunch of aromatherapy creams and lotions from Bath and Body works. My skin feels so much better, and certain fragrances make different parts feel way better than before.
Hair: I’ve been using Biolage Color Care treatments (Shampoo/Conditioner). After a shower I will throw in Bed Head’s After Party. I usually try to let my hair air dry if I’m going to straighten it. If I’m going to blow dry I mix the After Party with Bed Head’s Power Trip hair Gel. Then I use a denman hair brush to get a sleek look.
I am slowly lightening my hair back to blonde, and I like my hair to feel soft like a kitten. I’ve tried so many hair moisturizers and masks, but nothing has ever beaten Framesi. I use the biogenol ultra deep masque. I leave it on for about 15 minutes with a cap on, using a blowdrier for heat. Wash it out and it feels good as new. I highly suggest this product for people who really give their hair a workout with chemicals or heat products. Framesi is also a really color oriented company, so you don’t have to worry about your color fading.
For my skin, I use Dr. Weil’s Mushroom serum to reduce redness and irritation, Origins toner, and Clinique dramatically different moisturizer. Haircare changes, but I LOVE Trader Joe’s citrus washes. I don’t know if there’s a Trader Joe in New Zealand, but it’s a popular organic grocery store in California at least, and the body care line is really cheap.
Lush Imperialis Moisturiser- Perfection!
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter- For the rest of me, smells like chocolate and gets rid of unsightly marks
Lush Daddio- Smells like parma violets and keeps my hair yuck free
Aussie 2 minute miracle- Smells like bubblegum and is generally amazing
Lush Honey I Shrunk the Kids solid perfume- Mmmmmmm
Oh, and Sally Hansen does AMAZING nail stuff.
Does anybody have any recommendations for zits on your ass? I’m, like, so totally not joking. Has anyone ever had this problem? Uh okay well maybe you don’t have to admit it if you are not comfortable but I would love some help here!!! Nothing works! Help me please dear commenters!
I’ve also had great results with the olive/castor oil routine (castor oil has a high concentration of ricinoleic acid, which prevents the growth of bacteria that causes acne). My skin is the clearest and healthiest it’s ever been.
My two favorite masks are plain honey or all-natural plain yogurt. The yogurt is good for dissolving oil and mattifying and the honey is antibacterial and a natural moisturizer.
My favorite scrub recipe mixes brown sugar with enough olive oil to moisten it up. I use it as a body scrub in the shower. I come out smooth and soft – and who doesn’t love that? Especially those of us who are part alligator.
I had Dr. Hauschka recommended to me by a friend, so went and bought their wee trial size pieces… Cleansing Milk, Cleansing Cream and Naturalizing Day Oil. It is AMAZING!! It has cleared my skin right up, lessened the oiliness/shine factor something incredible and has made it feel and look so smooth and gorgeous. Another friend then mentioned that Trilogy is a very similar brand with similar products, with the bonus that they are not only made in NZ (which living in NZ I am all too happy to support), but they are made in my home city of Wellington. So when I run out of Dr. Hauschka I will try Trilogy. The price is also apparently a little lower than Dr.H. Although Dr.H is pricey I feel it is totally worth it!!
I raided my bathroom cabinet as soon as I read this. I always shunned makeup and skincare, but going through all the bottles and stuff, I realised I use just as much as anyone else! So here ya go:
-Nivea Visage Gentle Cleansing Creme Wash: I love this stuff so much. It is really gentle, I even use it to remove the majority of my eye makeup, and it makes my skin feel as soft as a babies!
-Priceline Vitamin E Eye Makeup Remover: inexpensive and also gentle (I have problems with my skin, especially around the eyes) I used this to get rid of any risidual gunk that the creme wash doesn’t clean off.
-Nivea Visage Young Freshen Up Toner: this is great after having a shower, it cools my face down, and just makes it feel really nice. I don’t really understand the purpose of toner, but it makes my skin feel great!
-Neutrogena Skin Clearing Fast Acting Gel: I find this stuff brilliant on my trouble spots and the occasional pimples I get. Doesn’t smell the best, but by the time I’ve cleansed, toned, put that on, and moisterised…I don’t think anyone is going to smell it!
-Dove Essential Nutrients Day Cream with SPF 15: I burn. Like, within 10 minutes of being outside. I wear cardigans on warm days just to keep my arms covered. So I love this moisterizer with sunscreen in it. It smells nice, is gentle on the skin, isn’t too heavy, and doesn’t give you that dreaded shine. Definitely worth it.
-Schwarzkopf Hair Repair Zero Frizz Serum: if you have curls like me, that turn to frizz at the least hint of moisture, this stuff is great. It keeps them under control, all day! Brilliant!
Other than that, I just use the normal mix and mish mash of lipsticks and lipglosses (softlips a big fave!), and all sorts of crazy nail polish (revlon dark pleasures in midnight seduction atm!).
Hope someone finds it useful, all the products are totally worth it, so good for my combination skin!
I have super sensitive and dry skin (I break out in eczema all over my face from time to time, it’s quite distressing!), and i’ve tried so many products to try to control it. So…
Cleanser: either Cetaphil or Trilogy’s (http://www.trilogyproducts.com/) cream cleanser
After cleansing and before moisturising I use roseship oil from Trilogy. My skin LOVES it. It’s also really helpful to use on eczema.
Moisturiser: either Cetaphil (green tube/tub) or Trilogy vital moisturising cream.
For my skin I also take evening primrose oil. When I break out in eczema I also take acidophilus, spirulina or blue green algae, and flax seed oil.
Make-up: I’ve just started using mineral make-up from Almay. I like it so far… Previously I have used Clinique almost makeup and all about the eyes concealer, which are also good. I use a benefit sheer cream blush, which I really love.
My hair is also dry, so I use Redken Extreme Shampoo, Conditioner, and Anti-snap. Trilogy have just brought out a haircare range so I might give it a go…
Holy Grail: rosehip oil, trilogy everything balm is great to have in your bag, and cetaphil moisturiser.
I am curious about Bio Oil – has anyone used it???
I just started using a full Dermalogica routine but haven’t gotten to all the products yet as I’m slowly adding them. Right now my skin isn’t agreeing with the toner. I’ve used a toner with lavendar in it before & I think that’s the problem ingredient. I’m waiting it out, though, because the rest of the line is great.
Makeup items I can’t live without: It’s always changing, ha!, but the one that stays the same is my Bare Minerals foundation.
Hi Pals, what a spectacular idea!
I also use Revitanail – it is The Holy Grail for nails. Nothing beats it, ever. I asked my organic chem prof. about the formaldehyde content and she told me it didn’t concern her at those levels (~1%) as a topical treatment. Try not to get it on your cuticles or bite/suck on your nails though.
For hydrating my skin: A’kin Rosehip Oil. SOOOOOOOOOO lovely, no more dehydration or flakies. Gets rid of a lot of pigmentation from scarring too.
Cleanser: Olay Total Affects for blemish prone skin (with salicylic acid)
Zit Blaster: Clearsil vanishing pimple treatment cream (leave on overnight and it dries them out by next day. They never return!)
Moisturiser: Nivea Light Creme – i recommend you switch to this Gala :)
Hair: Sebastian Body (for the girls who like a bit of volume). Their ‘body’ hair mousse is great too.
I’m looking for The Perfect Eye Serum/Cream….any recs ladies?
Also, I thought vaseline/petroleum products were bad to use on your lips as they just dehydrate them?
My skin is quite dry.
Facewash: Aqueous cream + facecloth.
Moisturiser: trilogy rosehip oil (LOVE it!) – maybe also trilogy moisturiser if needed.
Body moisturiser: Aqueous cream.
Sunblock: Invisible Zinc.
Shampoo: Pert (!) – I know! I don’t colour or straighten or otherwise torment my hair, so I don’t need any kind of flash products.
And I drink lots of water, because I like it.
Nivea moisturizers and lotions are honestly the best out there. My mom has been using the heavier creme (I use the light for my face… the heavy for body) since she was 17 (she is 50 now) and does not have ANY (read: zip, zilch, nada) wrinkles… so I plan on following in her footsteps with that!
Nivea = the best, keep using it… your skin will thank you!
Face:
I absolutely swear by Johnson’s Baby Wipes. Whenever I’m too tired(every night!), these take off my make-up completely, including mascara, which in the past I’ve found difficult with a lot of make-up wipes, and overall face make-up. I also use Garnier Pure Deep Clean Foaming Wash, which is brilliant for my skin when it needs a cleanse. I also used to use Garnier Pure Purifying Astringent, but found it caused my once a month pimple to completely turn into acne, which is why I never use toner anymore.
Moisturiser, depending on whether it is morning or night, I use Olay Touch of Sun moisturiser, which is tinted so I wake up with a caramel glaze on my face, which is fabulous for those days you simply cannot be bothered with make-up. However, it is extremely ‘greasy’, and be careful not too rub your eyes after applying this, as I’ve found it stings my eyes, much more than it usully would if it was a normal moisturiser. I also use Neutrogena facial mosituriser with SPF 15, which I also reccommend if you’re spending a lot of time in the sun.
Body:
Depending on whether I’m moisturising to smooth, rehydrate or tan my skin, I usually use a Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula. I use Natural Bronze Body Lotion at night, which is absolutely wonderful. I also used Palmer’s Cocoa Butter with Vitamin E for after I shower. I recently purchased Olay Touch of Sun Body Moisturiser, again however, it is very greasy and I recently had a break for about 2 days, and completely lost the sun-kissed glow that was promised. However, if you do keep using it, I found within the first week, I was very tanned and it looked wonderfully natural. The Body Shop Brazil Nut Body Butter is fantastic also. Tip: If you apply it before going out in the sun, it will work as a fake-tanner!
Make-up: “Hello, My name is Hannah and I’m a Make-up Junkie”. I am completely obsessed with make-up, however, with saying that I’m not the type of person who’ll wear make-up if its just a casual day at home or with friends.
My staples are usually Revlon Colour Stay or ModelCo 3 in 1 foundation, fabulous bronzer to dust over my cheeks, a light blusher to contour, a light shimmery shadow, mascara, and non-sticky lip gloss or balm.
I use Natio Pressed Powder Bronzer, although it is very, very easy to go over the top with this, as it is so bronzed, too the point of almost being too dark. Which is why I end up using my sister’s very often. This is called Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sun Glow.
Blusher is usually whatever is around. I’m currently waiting on my NARS Blush in Orgasm to come, which I am totally anxious about. I do however use ModelCo Box Blush in 02. I love it. A light dust from your temple to the middle of your cheek, hello Fabulous Cheek Bones!
I mostly use Revlon Colour Stay ‘Stay Natural’ Make-up in 03 for full face coverage. I’ve tried a lot of foundations that don’t stay on or lot orange, and I swear by this. My holy grail.
Eye shadow, again is usually whatever I care for at that time. I am in love with the Sports Girl Eye Spy palettes and Chi Chi in Fashionista. I’m not too big on particular brands of eye-shadow, but I have found that usually spending less on eye-shadow palettes is better, because there’s a lot more range of colours. Purples, greens and pinks that would usually be sold as a two colour compact, don’t stand out as much as the cheaper(.. $5!!) brand ones do.
I usually have about four lip glosses on me at one time. I am in love with my MAC Lip Glass in A96. It isn’t as sticky as most glosses, and stays on forever! Last week, I bought a 5 pack of The Art Of Make-Up lip glosses for $5. Best purchase of my life! The pack comes with different flavours for your every mood and they taste absolutely fantastic. They are quite sticky, but aren’t as unbearable as others. I also love my Philosophy ‘Kiss Me’ Pink lip gloss. Smells and tastes diiiiivine! Sally Hansen Lip Inflation is also a worthy mention as it inflates your lips, but doesn’t look like you’ve just spent the day at a cosmetic surgeon’s. Warning: It stings like mad the first time you apply it, but do not let this intimidate you. A favourite!
Hair:
I love Bedhead ‘Dumb Blonde’ shampoo and conditioner. Being a girl who loves to colour her hair(don’t we all?!), I am naturally very careful with products I use. I only wash my hair every 3-4 days, (depending on the activities I do within that time), as my hair colour turns very brassy if I’m blonde, or green if I’m brunette, within weeks. ‘Moisture Maniac’ is also reccommended for damaged hair. Soon making the transition to university, I am freaking out about how much everything costs now. Which is why I SWEAR on Herbal Essences ‘Colour Me Happy’. It’s cheap, it smells wonderful and makes my hair feel fabulous. I did find that ‘Break’s Over’ shampoo and conditioner actually made my hair feel worse(and look worse than it did before washing it).
I always change brands every so often, from Bedhead, PPS, Herbal Essenses and even plain ol’ Pantene, just to give my hair a break (and my bank account!).
Nails:
Unfortunately, I’m not as pedantic with my nail care as I am with body, make-up and face care. I usually just use a Sally Hansen ‘Get Growing’ or ‘Advanced Hard As Nails’ polish. I do reccommend Sally Hansen’s Nail Growth Miracle – it works wonders! That Sally Hansen definitely knows what she’s doing. With colours, I reccommentd Chi Chi nail polishes. These are fabulous. I am in love with the colours ‘Hollywood Heiress’ and ‘Celeb Junkie’. I’ve also been eyeing off ‘Billion Dollar Gold Digger’ for awhile now! I also reccommend Maybelline Express Finish Advanced Wear in a light pink. It’s so girly and feminine. I also really like Rimmel 60 Seconds Vinyl Stars in ‘Twinkle’. It’s so shimmery, without being too over-the-top.
face care: all kiehl’s (a new york brand that’s spreading out) for face (non foaming face wash and moisturizer).
hair care: all bumble & Bumble, a new york based salon and hair care line. shampoo, conditioner, hair lotion, surf spray, sumo tech.
makeup: all MAC.
i am not crazy about trying a billion kinds of beauty products; i tend to find something that works and stick with it for years, being really brand loyal.
Oh, Trilogy rosehip oil is wonderful. I had some a few years ago whilst on holiday in NZ, and it really worked for my skin; unfortunately, it’s not easy to get in the UK.
My skin is extremely temperamental, so what I use changes frequently. I’ll use a moisturiser for a month, get great results from it, and then my skin will decide it doesn’t like it and I’ll have to change. At the moment, it’s very dry and flaky, so I’m throwing on as much moisture as I can:
Cleanser: Lush Baby Face, washed off with a muslin cloth in the shower. Super-gentle, moisturising, works like an oil cleanser (it’s a bar that melts). I’ve been using this for years and am happy with it.
Toner: pure rosewater in a spray bottle. Gentle, beautifully scented, softens my skin.
Moisturiser: Vitamin E oil/Smitten hand cream by Lush/Rose & Co Rose Petal Salve. The Vit. E is brilliant, but VERY sticky, and takes so long to sink in that I haven’t been using it as much as I should. Still, it makes an appreciable difference in my skin after every application. Smitten hand cream is mild and very rich, but I usually need two applications for my face. I bought the Rose Petal Salve to use as lip balm, but it seems to do the trick on patches of extremely dry skin, so I’ve ended up using that on my face as well.
Spot treatment: dab on neat lavender essential oil; it seems to do the trick and doesn’t irritate my skin at all.
Haircare: whatever’s in the bathroom, usually Tresemme. I’m lucky; my hair stays in good condition without much looking after at all.
In the past, I’ve had very good results from Lush’s Skin Drink, Dr. Hauschka products, and a mixture of rose essential oil in carrier oil, but all of those stopped working after a while and I had to switch. I occasionally use betamethasone cream (a steroid), which I get on prescription when my eczema is bad.
I use Clinique facial wash, clarifying lotion and dramatically different moisturizing gel 2 times a day, as well as Clinique’s ‘all about eyes’ eye cream. I’ve tried many foundations that dont give a good enough coverage and Im happy to say I finally found one that looks great and thats Revlon Colorstay makeup with softflex.
I love my Oil of Olay!
It has sunscreen in it which is really important to me, especially over summer, but it’s not greasy or heavy. I spread it all over my face, neck, upper chest and backs of my hands every morning.
I’ve heard of old ladies saying they always used Olay and I’m hoping that when I’m old I can attribute my lovely skin to a lifetime of Oil of Olay!
Cleanser — Biore Daily Facial Cloths, they’re so convenient…just a bit of water, then scrub your face, and you’re squeaky clean! About a half-month will run you maybe $8USD, great deal. It’s not the best stuff I’ve ever used, but it is by no means cheapo crap.
Moisturizer — Dove Deep Moisture Facial Cream, super super cheap. It’s less than $10USD and it lasts a good long while and does its job well!
Lotion, hand & body — Bath & Body Works Body Cream, mmm, the holiday scents are really fabulous. This stuff is thick and it works so well.
Lip balm — Rosebud Strawberry Balm, which is very effective! I was in NYC when the weather was absolutely miserable and my lips stayed lovely and soft just from applying this stuff before bed each night.
Also, marsha — I recommend, weird as it sounds, putting some hand sanitizer like Purell on your zits, whether they’re on your face or other more sensitive areas…Healing one that’s gone scabby and gross is best done with a vigorous scrub, possibly St. Ives, and some moisturizing.
There really must be something in the Thought Ripples idea. So many times, we’ll be here commenting that we’d just been wondering about a certain subject and then you wrote about it that day. Really was just thinking about an iCing skincare review.
Cleanser: baby wipes to remove make-up, was finishing off Clinique mild bar, but bought SebaMed today – feels okay so far.
Moisturizer: Olay Complete spf15, or Cetaphil cream from tube.
Shampoo and Conditioner: Pantene anti-break
Really basic and blah. I’ve been very strapped for cash of late. I’m going to try the Apple Cider Vinegar on the back of your recommendation though, it sounds so useful. Also I LOVE Nivea, the smell, the feel, don’t you just wish your skin loved it as much as you enjoy using it?
How’s the sunscreen thing going? I don’t think I get enough protection from the Olay and read good things about Shiseido’s SPF55 on MakeupAlley. Might try it. Hmm.
Face:
Cleanser : Garnier Clean & Fresh face wash
Moisturiser: Nutritionist Day Cream with SPF 15
Cancer Council – SPF 15+ Sunscreen.
Hair:
[Al’chemy] Lavender Shampoo
[Al’chemy] Macadamia & Wheat Protein Treatment Conditioner * This is a wonderful Australian company that makes Vegan products and the shampoo’s have no sulfur in them and is totally natural and smell wonderful
www.purist.com
Body: Silk Ambrosia – Tri Nature Body Moisturiser
Oooh what an excellent idea to list all this! Maybe someone can help me with my big beauty problem…
I use Lush Angels on Bare Skin, Bio-oil and a supermarket sunblock that smells like coconut on my face. Keeping it this simple works way better for me than any other skin regime.
However, I get spots at that time of the month on my chin and jaw that are mighty hard to shift. Before I started using Angels they would sometimes take weeks to go away, and I might get 5 days of clear skin a month. Any ideas how I can get rid of these? Clearly hormones are the cause, so I can’t prevent them but there must be a way to treat them so they heal faster?
Hi,
long time lurker – I don’t think I’ve ever commented before but I absolutely had to rave about the nivea light moisturiser. I use it, most of my friends use it, my mother uses it, and somehow it’s perfect for all our skintypes!
The only friend I know who uses the Nivea Creme has really really dry skin so it works for her, but I would definitely recommend the nivea light if you find that too heavy.
Thanks for such a great blog! xxx
I feel a little unusual here, since I can’t use a lot of scented stuff or wear nail polish because of my job. But here goes anyhow:
Hair: Biolage Ultra-Hydrating shampoo and conditioner, when I shampoo (which is usually after workouts, since my hair is very dry). I don’t use “product”, per se, since I just wrap my hair into a twist for work. Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk is good for when I’m really, really dry. Carol’s Daughter is a US brand for black and “ethnic” hair, but it works well on this redhead.
Soap, etc: Dove Unscented. When I want something with a little smell to it, I use Philosophy’s Amazing Grace body wash. Yeah, it’s generic and a little boring, but people tell me I smell good.
Face: Rosehip oil, Aveeno Cleansing Facial Wash, and ShiKai moisturizer. I love ShiKai. I don’t know if you can get it outside of the US, but it’s worth looking for.
I don’t wear sunscreen on work days, since I go to work in the dark, stay inside all day, and then come home in the dark. For non-work days, it’s the highest-SPF Bullfrog or Neutrogena I can find.
I love Rimmel mascara. It’s less clumpy and wears better than even DiorShow. The rest of my makeup comes straight from the drugstore, except for the Benefit Lemon Aid that keeps my eyeshadow from ending up on my chin by the end of the day.
Feet and Hands: If you’re on your feet for sixteen hours and washing your hands 40 times a day (no exaggeration), this is important.
For feet I use Flexitol Heel Balm. It works a treat at getting nasty old dead skin off, and doesn’t harm the calluses that I need.
For hands, more Flexitol, or Amlactin 12% Cream. The Amlactin smells like ammonia (it’s lactic acid-based, neutralized with ammonia), but it takes care of the red, cracked, awful hands I get after working several days in a row.
I buff my nails with an old-fashioned chamois buffer and buffing cream. You young pups might not remember the days when that was the only option besides pink nail polish, but take my word: Nothing works better for a nice, healthy-looking shine on your nails.
When All Else Fails, I use this stuff I get at the local cut-price drugstore called “Cuticle Away” and “Callus Away”. It’s an extremely base gel (don’t get it on clothes or in your eyes!) that eats away dead skin. You put it on your cuticles or Nurse Feet, wait a few minutes, wipe it off, and push back your cuticles or scruff your feet, then wash. It literally dissolves cuticles and dead skin. I’m not sure I’d want to use it more than twice a month, but damn if it doesn’t do the job.
And that’s it. I get compliments on my skin and hair all the time, and even The Boyfiend doesn’t complain too much about my feet.
Sadly, I am still on my search for my Holy Grail skincare regime. I’ve tried a lot of Japanese products, because I honestly believe they are better formulated for my oriental skin. My mother swears by SKII, she loves it when people tell her she looks ~30 when she is older than that ;P I’d probably pick something more like Shiseido.
Lately though, I’ve been trying a more natural approach. I use extra virgin olive oil to cleanse (and brown sugar or oats for exfoliation); this is good for both the face and the body. Haven’t seen it really work as a hair treatment though.
I pop vitamin E capsules and use the liquid as a mask or sometimes as an overnight moisturiser. For my toner, I use rose water which I bought when I was in Bulgaria last summer. My lips and hands are relying on Burt’s Bees.
I still have a lot of things to try eg. lemon juice toner, aspirin mask, honey mask, apple cider vinegar toner etc. (all suggestions from Make Up Alley!) but I am spacing my experiments over a long period of time to see what actually works for me.
My make-up and shampoo haven’t had the chance to go au naturel yet as I have sooo much make up which I’d like to use up before I start buying new products. Waste not, want not! But I do love NARS blushes and Shu Uemura Pro Spot Concealer.
Some days I use DHC cleansing oil, which I recommend wholeheartedly to all oil cleansers. It is olive oil based, but treated to be water soluble so rinses away. Excellent stuff. Other days when my skin isn’t so dry, I use plain old Dove soap. I also rotate out moisturisers: nivea creme for dry days, Nivea Day or Lotil English Weather creme for in-between, and DHC Emollient Balm for light moisture. Under all of my moisturisers, I use neutrogena multi-vitamin treatment, which is discontinued now (BOO) but I stockpiled some. The most important thing for me, though, is exfoliation, for which I use a washcloth every day, or a face brush once a week.
For hair, I use Dove for dry hair, and I swear this is the best. I have fragile fine hair down to my elbows, so I’ve looked for the most moisturising hair regimen possible, and the Dove shampoo and conditioner for dry hair (in the blue bottles) performs way above anything else I’ve ever tried.
I am a product junkie, so this thread is good fun :D
My all time favourite products:
*Korres (Greek homeopathic) white tea face wash *Dr.Haushka Day Cream *Origins ‘Never a Dull Moment’ scrub *Oxy 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide (so good for zits!) *Lush ‘Big’ shampoo (amazing volume) *Lush Coolaulin conditioner *Kiehl’s shampoos and conditioners are great too *Bed Head ‘Hard to Get’ wax *Benefit’s Benetint *Dr.Haushka Mascara (the very best!) *Elizabeth Arden 8 hour sheer tint Lip Balm *MAC concealers *YSL touche d’eclat *Chanel or MAC eyeshadow *Chanel clear nail polish *Essie Apricot Cuticle oil *Kiehl’s Hand Lotion ‘Ultimate Strength’
I used a free sample of Estee Lauder on my face a couple of days ago and now I have such a horrendous rash!
Does anyone recommend anythng to help?
Ooh, it’s so interesting to read everyone’s favourite products! I really want to try one of those chamois buffers that Nurse Jo recommends :o)
I’ve been using Paula’s Choice skincare products for a few years now, and my skin seems to love it. Whatever you might think about how she does her reviews, I really think the skincare products are worth a go (and you can buy little sample sachets to try which is useful).
I have “combo” skin and use Skin Balancing Cleanser, Refreshing Toner, 2% BHA lotion, with SPF15 in the day, or ‘Hydralight’ lotion at night. Plus i have just bought the ‘Hydrating Treatment Cream’ which I use just when my skin gets a bit dry (e.g. when it’s really cold weather). I also have her Lip Balm which is great and also works well as a cuticle balm (though I only use it on my lips at night because there’s no SPF – I use Simple Lip Protector SPF20 in the daytime)
Marsha: for me, I think the magic product in the line up is the 2% BHA stuff: I used to get ‘bumps’ all over my chin and lower jaw which would look a mess either because I’d pick at them or because they’d turn into pimples. The BHA seemed to clear those up within a couple of weeks, and it also takes care of bumps on my upper arms and legs, so seems to do well on all parts of the body!
M: I still get hormonal pimples too, for which I use 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide gel (bought from the pharmacist – el cheapo, and does seem to work quite well, esp. in combination with the BHA lotion). You have to be careful though, as it bleaches your pillowcases if you put it on at night….
I’m 31, and a couple of people recently have told me that they thought i was only about 25, so I think I’ll stick with this system – it seems to be doing me good!!
Yay! I love beauty products, so this thread is making me very happy :D I’m also on a neverending quest for the perfect face products so here’s my current routine:
morning:
cleanser+toner: Crealine H20 Solution micellaire (from Bioderma) Oh how I love it! It’s extra gentle to the skin and very effective. It’s also super quick since you don’t have to rinse it off your face and it acts as a toner at the same time.
serum: Not Just Another Pretty Face Hydrating Serum (at Ifeelprettyproducts.com) It’s a lovely mix of a 10 different oils, all with amazing properties. Check out Kim’s website for more info :)
moisturizer: Vitamin C Moisture Plus Lotion SPF 15 (by Avalon Organics) My serum would be hydrating enough but this acts as a nice primer, in addition to smelling yummy and protecting me from the sun. A must!
I then apply my make-up; concealer, fondation, blush, silk powder, a spritz of thermal water, a bit of mascara and gloss and I’m good to go! I use mineral makeup (mostly from everydayminerals and lumiere) since they are completely natural and actually good for your skin.
My evening routine is very similar to my morning one, except I use the Pure & Pretty Clarifying Cleanser (also from Ifeelpretty) before using Crealine H20 Solution micellaire. My night time moisturizer is also a bit heavier than my day-time one, it’s Avalon Organics Q10 Wrinkle Defense Crème. Ha! I’m only 23 but I prefer not taking any chances ;)
Oh I also purchased the Pretty As Can Be Healing Serum from Ifeelpretty, which is an AMAZING spot treatment. Seriously every product in this line is wonderful.
Oh, wow. I seem to have arrived late to the party.
Well, for my hair I alternate between Aveda’s curly shampoo (alright, I guess) and Lush’s Cynthia Sylvia Stout (so good!) I also use whatever cheap conditioner I can get. 99 cents at the drugstore, I kid you not.
I also use cholesterol cream (Queen Helene is good but any brand works, really). You can use it as a mask (which I do, about 2x a month) or just as an add-on to conditioner. It smells a bit like Lubriderm, but the scent doesn’t stick to you and I usually add a little bit of perfume to the jar just to swirl it in. My hair is of the curly and dry type, and it drinks it in. The most I’ve paid for this product (which is in the ‘ethnic’ section of stores like the aforementioned drugstore or Target) is US$5.95 for about 20 oz. Use it! It’s wonderful!
I swear by Dermalogica Multivitamin hand and nail cream, its saved my hands! When I’m stressed I bite my nails and skin around my nails so my nails are thin and my skin flakey, callused and scaley. After just a few days of using the cream though my nails are thick, my skin is slowly healing and i feel so much better because of it!
I also swear by Rimmel long lasting lipgloss. it goes on and then NEVER COMES OFF. Which is perfect for me since I made the new years resolution to wear more red lipstick.
A wonderful lineup of various products, but some real favourites keep popping up again and again.
Being in my early 40’s I thought I should go into “older” skincare. Dumb idea. I tried Nivea DNAge. WAY too rich for my skin. I have previously been a Nivea Light girl and the Nivea products are very good. However, I’m also a fickle girl, prone to enjoying pretty packaging and new products so I’ve changed and really liked the change for ages now. Also, I HATE buying from anywhere other than the supermarket :) lol…
I also subscribe to the school of thought that a Toner is not essential – so I don’t use one. I don’t know any different :)
Righto:
I use the Olay Total Effects cleanser. Very very gently exfoliating. (If it runs out, then I “swipe” some of my husbands Nivea for Men Sensitive skin cleanser until I buy more of my Total Effects. Fragrance-free and stopped him getting the red blotches).
Olay Total Effects moisturiser, the fragrance free one with an SPF of 15.
Clearsil spot cream for zits (yep.. you still get ‘em in your 40’s)
No eye creams, which I did use when I was using Nivea.
Lips: blistex
I’ve also used: Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ and this is an excellent line. I tried the Restore line, and it was great until I used the Daytime moisturiser and that was TOO heavy for me. Elizabeth Arden – all excellent products.
Body – St Ives Cucumber and Melon body lotion. Great stuff, mild fragrance and only $5 odd for a huge pump bottle of the stuff. I’ve run out of that, so I’m using the Seacret Cucumber and Melon body lotion which is very nice. Occasionally use the Nivea body lotion.
Hands – I’m absolutely hooked on Nutrimetics new Hydrafinity Perfecting Hand Therapy. It has a sunscreen and Myrrh Extract and smells DIVINE. Otherwise I use Nutrimetics Hand and Nail, or Opi’s Avojuice Skin Quenches in Coconut and Melon or Neutrogena’s Hand Cream which reminds me a lot of Elizabeth Arden’s 8 hour cream. I like Creative (their Cuticle Eraser is amazing) and Opi (currently Avoplex Exfoliating Cuticle Treatments) products on my nails and cuticles. Also used Aveeno on my hands and this is an excellent product. I’m a big hand washer and so my hands and cuticles suffer big time. For good nails, it’s hard to go past OPI, and Nail Envy is FABULOUS and I highly recommend it for nice strong nails.
Hair: Currently using the Kerastase Vital range, but have up until recently used the Soleil range (fantastic on hair that goes into chlorine pools!!!), Chroma range – nearly $70 for the conditioner but OH SO worth it, esp if you have coloured hair and don’t forget the Chroma Protect for styling with. I have in the past been a Joico girl (go K-Pak – an amazing conditioning treatment and fantastic on naturally blonde hair), a Redken girl, (lovely strong hair), KMS, Paul Mitchell and a Wella girl.
Cheers,
Jenny.
Forgot to add: Recently bought a gift voucher from a Spa place in Wellington (Essence) that sells Dermalogica and I got a freebie Dermalogica Multivitamin handcream and it’s gorgeous! What a lovely soft result!
If the fluffiness is the only thing you don’t like about the shampoo, you can plenty of awesome products to couteract that. I’d recommend something but I don’t know what you have in Australia.
I use:
Babyface by Lush – amazing, gentle effective moisturising cleanser!
Pore Perfecting Moisturiser by Boots Botanics – controls oil amazingly well
Dr Feelgood by Benefit – smoooooooth!!
Baby Oil for all over moisturising – the BEST moisturiser
Love Lettuce by Lush face mask – balancing!!
Mud Flats/Lemslip by Lush – depending on my mood!
Prince by Lush Shaving Cream – Meant for men but who cares!
American Cream by Lush – Amazing sweet smelling rich conditioner
Tresemme Reconstructing Treatment for when my hair is really fried!!
Lee Stafford Heat Protection Spray
Bedhead Headbanger Spray Wax – Best. Wax. Ever!!
I’m still looking for a shampoo that works for me :( My hair is bleached and currently purple and I can’t find a shampoo that protects my colour but doesn’t leave a nasty build up fter a few washes.
Nivea Soft (might be lighter than the creme),
Body shop Vitamin E moisturiser or Lush Skin Drink. Both work wonders on my skin.
Body Shop eye make-up remover.
Dr Hauschka Quince day cream (smell is sooo lovely).
Body shop glow-enchancer (great on my pale skin).
Okay, so I love the body shop. I find their products reasonably priced and good quality. Not tested on animals too :)
Haircare- Lush The Blonde ….even though I’m not blonde I just couln’t resist the scent
Skin care:
Cleanser-Trader Joes ginger oat soap BEST soap ever it’s probably bad that I’m using soap as a cleanser but this soap is very very gentle on the skin and doesn’t dry it out.
Facial scrub— Burts Bees citrus scrub(very good for breakout control not the most pleasing smell) or
Burts Bees apricot willowbark(smells glorious but better for skin not proned to break-outs)
Toner —Eden organic cider vinegar toner on my t-zone only
and usually I don’t moisterize ‘cause I can’t be bothered and I’m bad
Body: another amazing Burts Bees product …Milk and Honey Body lotion after 2 applications my normally dry dry legs were silky smooth. Seriously it’s that amazing.
Makeup:
Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner …it is the best thing probably ever invented it’s waterproof it’s amazing ya it’s one thing I can’t live without.
the other really good thing I have is COver Girl clean pressed powder it’s a staple for me it’s fabuloso
One thing I have not yet been able to find is a good solid foundation or blemish cover that is not oily greasy and completely stupid so if someone has a good one they use please tell me…
rach
~Face: -Same, Nivea Creme. :) It is PERFECT for me.
[recently I got a burn on my face…used blobs of Nivea Creme daily; disappeared in a week’s time]
-Face mask/scrub of sandalwood and neem (from Pakistan). -Sunscreen by Boots’ company. It’s got full protection. Lasts for hours. Very moisturizing, and imperceptible. Smells good too :) -Rosewater in a spray bottle thingy. (From Pakistan). Refreshing, a good thing to have.~Body: -Fruit & Passions’ Cacao Body Butter. It smells & feels delicious.
~Hair -Conditioner by VOX -Shampoo by Herbal Essences. [nothing special] -Lush’s Henna for a tinge of red!! Amazing stuff, and smells beautiful too.
~Makeup:
Stick of Hashmi Kajal (again, by a Pakistani company- I doubt you can it find outside of Asia)—THIS is like the BEST eyeliner I have ever used. I always stock up on it when I go to Pak; it doesn’t smudge, stays smooth, easy to apply, lasts all day, can be blended easily.. -Medora lipstick. Meh. -Mineral eyeshadows by Bella Pierre. This has been my best buy all year. All glittery & richly coloured & gorgeous. -Creme blush by the Body Shop. [Creme blush has got to be the best invention ever] -Maybelline concealer. Good stuff.Aaand..thassall.
For the New Year, my resolution is to try out Japanese products. I’ve heard good things about Shu Uemura.
Like many other people on here, I’m such a Lushaholic!
I use Lush’s Seanik shampoo bar because I used to have impossibly frizzy brown wavy hair, and now I have lovely shiny brown hair that is much much smoother and more obedient. Plus if I don’t brush it after washing it it practically turns to curls!
If I could use Snow Fairy shower gel by Lush every day of my life I would be a very happy bunny. It’s pink AND sparkly AND smells like sweets. What more could a girl want?
Lip stuff I am divided on, because I am a total sucker for Body Shop’s Mango or Passion Fruit lip butters. When I come into school I open my lip butter and breathe deeply, and feel much less stressed.
The body shop has actually been bought by L’oreal who does test on animals. So the Body Shop’s no testing rule doesn’t really stand anymore.
Norma — The thing with TBS, even before they were bought out, is that while they didn’