Charlotte: Whilst chatting to our new lovely set of RMW Real Brides it seemed one of their main concerns was clear skin for W-day – they are on the look out for a beauty regime that will make their epidermis all glowy and blemish free. Now then, not everything will work for everyone – we are all different after all. However, I thought it might be worth Team RMW sharing our routines (as in our complete routines – “wonder” products and weekly/monthly treats included) and open up for discussion with you lovelies.
Sound like a plan?
Yes?
Awesome. Any excuse to talk about sexy bathroom cabinet items…..
In truth I don’t have one dedicated regime as such. My skin is hyper sensitive and so I change my products in accordance to how it is behaving on any particular day, from dry and blotchy to a bit of an oily chip pan…although I’m pleased to report that these days, the latter condition appears less and less (there is one benefit to ageing thank the lord.)
To remove make-up I use Boots own brand “Simply Sensitive” Cleaning Lotion – it is only about two quid so you can be pretty generous with it. If I’m dehydrated I’ll just use that and remove residue with Avene Spring Water Spray (instead of Toner) or if I have been wearing some kind of base (i.e. lots of powder/tinted moisturiser) I’ll use Rodial Glamtox Cleanser. A few times a week I like to use the Clarisonic Brush thingy – it seems to remove dead skin cells and keeps my pores relatively clear.
I use a seperate eye make-up remover – the colourless and fragrance-free gel by Avene, it’s the only stuff I’ve found that doesn’t sting yet shifts my (um…four coats) of mascara and blacker than black liquid liner.
To moisturise I swear by Sarah Chapman Intense Hydrating Booster (a serum with heaps of hyaluronic acid in it) followed by Elemis Oxygenating Night Cream (yes even for day) however I am recently having a flirtation with Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Intense Moisture and Renewal Activation Cream as it contains SPF 30 and my little sister swears by it – she has given me a few samples that she managed to blag recently.
For seriously grey and flaky catastrophes I use Aveeno Cream everywhere – even on my lips, it has collodial oatmeal in it that is supposed to soothe irritation and whatnot, seems to do the job rather well and again is reasonably priced – about £6 from most chemists. Eye cream wise I’m yet to find anything that a) I am not allergic to and b) actually moisturises!….Believe it or not I currently dab on a bit of Vaseline and it seems to do the trick – I was recommended to try this by a very fancy Dermatologist lady who said it was as good as anything else…any line erasing/dark shadow removing recommendations would be greatly appreciated though.
For blemishes I use Zindaclin 1% gel as prescribed by my GP, again it seems to stop lumps and bumps in their tracks and doesn’t make my face flare up unlike many other off-the-shelf or indeed over-the-counter products have in the past.
And if you are suffering from weird break outs of any kind I’d say treat yourself to a course of dermabrasion, it is the only facial that makes a real difference on my moony mug.
Jenny: Ok so I have a qualification in skincare… and not much of a regime to speak of!
For years I used baby lotion to moisturise my face with. It was light enough to keep me feeling hydrated and it worked well for my hormonal breakouts. (And by hormonal break outs I mean spots, not some sort of Kevin the teenager strop fest)
I used the Clinique 3 Step, which didn’t agree with my skin at all. Then after I trained using Dermalogica skincare I found something that really suited me. And I liked the way the bottles looked in my bathroom. Because that’s really the only reason I indulged in all the skin prep scrubs, and cleansers, and moisturisers, because I loved the way the bottles looked!
Since my pregnancy with William my skin changed and became super sensitive, so I had to start using products that were completely natural. Everything else just made me spotty. So when I discovered Waitrose Bottom Butter, which I obviously bought for Williams bottom, and used it on my face, the results were like magic! It’s made with olive oil, chamomile, and vanilla, and that’s it. I use it at night as it can be a little heavy for the daytime but it works like a charm!
The more I mess with my skin, the more it complains. Less is definitely more! I love the look of all the luxe serums and pots of creams, and very nearly spent a bucket load of money on that fancy Creme de la Mer cream once, until I had a word with myself and realised it wasn’t a luxury I could justify!
In the run up to my own wedding, the fact I was in my first trimester and feeling a little stressed out had me looking quite spotty indeed. So lots of Sudocrem on the troublesome areas, and consuming water by the gallon was my only resolve!
My biggest skincare secret is something we all have in the kitchen cupboard.
Oats. Rolled Oats, Scotch Oats, Organic Oats, good old Oats.
I exfoliate with Oats, and I bathe with oats. Oats have wonderful anti-inflammatory properites, which I discovered when William had eczema around his eye. I used to put about half a cup of oats into a square muslin cloth and seal it with a hairband, then soak the cloth for about ten minutes and apply the muslin to his face and eyes, and it reduced the redness and soreness, because it looked so sore strangers would come up to me and ask what was wrong with his eye! It was a safer option than the hydracortisone cream the Doctor wanted me to use.
To bathe you use the same technique, poor half a cup of oats into a muslin square and tie all the ends together, then pop in your bath water and soak for as long as you wish, the water will turn milky and your skin will thank you. You can include a stick of cinnamon or vanilla if you fancy something scented!
To exfoliate with Oats its easy peasy:
1 Cup of Oats
1 Table spoon of honey OR a good splash of extra virgin olive oil
Mix with a spoon, and apply head to toe the way you would any other exfoliating lotion in circular motions. You can use it as a face mask too, just apply and leave it to settle for ten or so minutes, then shower off.
Hey my surname is Oatham too. (pronounced Oat-ham). I’m all about the Oats!
Naomi: Alright, I’ll come out and say it… I am not one to spend a clean fortune on my beauty regime. There.
I know, I know… I should be looking after my skin and my looks, making every attempt possible to make sure my face doesn’t end up looking like a wrinkly old (as my Scottish husband would say) bawbag. But I haven’t quite got round to that yet. I’m 25, give me a break.
A cheeky little part of me also doesn’t believe anything that glossy mags or sexy adverts tell me and therefore completely doubts the results of the ten million pounds sterling I’m about to part with for ‘visibly firmer skin’. So I go by two things… my own tried and tested; and recommendations from other (real) women.
And the beauty regime I’ve come up with is this… In the morning, I wash my face with Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser. Major high five to all the Liz Lovers out there. I think she either rocks your world, or she doesn’t. Kind of like marmite… and harem pants. After that I use her Skin Tonic Toner and inject some moisture with Kit Cosmetics SPF30 Sunscreen which is a moisturiser, sunscreen and make up primer. Boom.
I live in Australia so it’s vital I wear sunscreen everyday all the time, but I think it’s something us UK women tend to forget about. Consider this your reminder.
Once the day is done and your mascara has done the rounds (does anyone else’s melt sometimes when you open the oven door, or is that just me?) I relish seeing the day’s dirt come off my face. Kind of gross what we slather on really. I am not a wipes kind of girl. I need to see the dirty water go down the plug hole to be sure it’s all off. The product that I highly recommend, and I wear a LOT of eyeliner, is Lush Ultrabland. This just melts my make up off like no other. I also don’t feel like my skin’s very thirsty after using it, so tend to skip the moisturiser.
If I’m in mega crisis and my skin needs some super love, I will not look past the Lush range of Fresh Face Masks. Catastrophe is my favourite. There’s something about blueberries on my face that makes me feel totally pampered.
For all you planning brides out there, if you’re anything like me and you find your back or your arms a bit spotty sometimes, I swear by Lush’s Mask of Magnaminty. It’s a mask you can put on your back and arms that hardens like clay. Once it’s set, I would get Gavin to scrub-a-dub-dub it all off with some exfoliation gloves. Don’t tell anyone… But I used to put it on my bum too, just to give the man a bit of an incentive.
I am now really looking forward to reading everyone else’s tips and tricks. Although beauty regimes are definitely a case of different strokes for different folks, there really is nothing better than being recommended a product that works by someone who actually uses it.
P.S. I swear I don’t work for Lush.
Vix: I have a VERY strict beauty regime that I have stuck to for many years now, if I stray from it then I face the consequences and my face goes pimpletastic! My main three rules are:
1. Never EVER go to sleep with make-up on, I can count on one hand the times I have woken up with a face full of make up on in my life and they have only ever been when I have passed out drunk which is extremely rare (Promise!)
2. Always, always moisturise after a shower/bath.
3. Do not squeeze pimples when they do not need to be squeezed ( I’m sorry I know it’s gross but it does just make them far worse)
4. Do not eat too much rubbish, I always break out if I eat sugary processed food.
I have used the same products for so long now I am not sure what I would do if they were ever discontinued!
1. Simple Face wipes to take my eye make-up off.
2. Clean and Clear Cleanser for the rest of my face.
3. Simple Anti-wrinkle Over Night Cream ( I have used this for many years even though I’m 28…)
All three of these are what I rely on for clear skin. Oh and my miracle product is Sudocrem for any kind of blemish/spot, it’s healing magic draws out the redness overnight and works a treat! Malc and I often go to bed with it dotted on our faces….sexy!
Big Beautiful Love
Charlotte, Jenny, Naomi and Vix xxx
@Charlotte – my mum has hyper-sensitive skin, especially around the eyes (Clarins made her look like Mickey Rourke on a bad day and post a fist fight) and I read a good tip: use Bach Rescue Remedy cream. Worth a try…
@Naomi – there is NEVER an excuse for harem pants! Unless possibly their arse really is that baggy.. But Liz Earle I’ll give you. I have used that cleanser for years – despite being fickle I don’t think I can match it elsewhere. But sunscreen? I always thought this too but now apparently we’re suffering a vitamin D deficiency from our over-zealous use of sunscreen. What a dilemma!
I think genetics plays a key part. I looked at my grandmother who, bless her, had skin like a paper bag that had been screwed up for a long time and then hastily smoothed out. And I thought I’d better take evasive action. So I’ve been using Estee Lauder Advanced Night Serum for at least 10 years. I tell my fiance I’m going to be a GORGEOUS 80 year old and he’d better be nice to me now or I’ll be looking for a toyboy then!
Im a mix and match girl and my skin changes a lot season to season so i tend to change things around.
I do LOVE Liz Earle Hit Cloth cleanser, but i will admit to being too lazy to use it every day, I’ve never been a face ‘washer’ as it tends to dry my skin out, I’ve always been a cleanse and toner girl.
That was until face wipes were invented! Now I consider myself lazy as i use these most days. My favourite ones are Garnier Pure, I think they’re actually for teenagers but i like the smell and the tingle they give my skin, i feel CLEAN!!
My moisturiser is Nivea Soft, i have used this for years and years and years. My mum says i should get a cream suited to my age group (30′s) but this means probably spending mega bucks on a face cream, which if I’m honest probably will do just the same as the Nivea!!
Naomi – i wear a tinted moisturiser with SPF15 in it instead of foundation
)
(as a sidey, when the sun is out I have sun sensitive skin which makes me breakout in heat rash ALL OVER MY BODY, i only use factor 50+ sunsenstive lotion, but if anyone has any hints or tips to avoid the dreaded itch and horrific looking rash of heat rash I’m open to trying anything!!)
Okay, I’m a bad person. I put my make-up on in the morning and there it stays until the following day when I wash it off in the shower. I use Clean and Clear facewash and No7 day cream. I also never ever ever drink water :/
In a way, I actually get away with murder, because apart from one humongous hormoney spot that will crop up on my chinny chin chin every month, things aren’t so bad. I think it’s because I dont wear foundation every day so apart from concealer, powder and bronzer – my skin does get to breathe.
I do know that this needs to change, I’m in my mid-thirties and all this will catch up with me very soon. So, I recently had my first ever microdermabrasion – definitely hooked, it felt like my pores had been sandblasted! I did however have a tiny reaction that night when my face went beaming red and stripey where they’d hoovered me… not a great look, but it had gone by the next morning.
Girls, you’ve inspired me to change! It’s pay day week so I’m furiously taking notes on all your tips and am determined to get into a new regime. Well, when I say new, ‘a’ regime will do! xxx
Some great tips in here that I may experiment with whilst I’ve still got plenty of time before the wedding in case it doesn’t agree with my skin – particularly liking the oats idea Jenny!
I’m quite lucky with my skin as I’m not sensitive but I do have combination skin. Mostly oil free – except my forehead up under my fringe.
What I’d really love are some tips/miracle products for clearing and reducing pores. I have a real vendetta against the pores on my nose – they just look huge to me!
Ooh also, YES to Sudocrem. Wonderful stuff, also dare I mention hemorrhoid cream? whack some of that on a giant spot and it’s like magic
God, I’m a wreck of a human. Just looking at my skincare in black and white makes me hang my head in shame.
In a running theme of putting bum products on the face, @Jenny I might have to try and find a Waitrose in our neck of the woods (not easy in La’pool) and try the bottom butter – mainly because the name sounds like a lot of fun. xx
@Peridot – Anything “essential oil” so Clarins, Decleor etc makes me break out, I avoid them like the plague. And I like your thinking on the advanced night repair – believe it or not my Dad uses it every evening – he really likes the way it feels!!! I’ll have a butchers at the Bach reuse remedy.
@Helen – I had a horrendous reaction to suncream last summer in Italy, an all-over heat rash that lasted days. I actually get on ok with Piz Buin but the best thing I’ve found is Ultrasun, it prevents me getting heat rash. You can also get one with shimmery bits in that hides a multitude of sins…it’s amazing.
http://www.johnlewis.com/230617284/Product.aspx
@Karen – You are so naughty! I don’t usually wear foundation (just some Chanel powder) but still – that blocks your pores you know young lady!
Maybe just start with something simple rather than a full on regime, it will be easier to stick too – perhaps keep some cleansing wipes by the bed. After dermabrasion you shouldn’t have stripes – it means the level/pressure they are using is too harsh. I started on level 1 and moved up to level 2. As I haven’t had it for ages I would probably have to move back to level 1 now.
Charlotte xxx
I am a total sucker for all things skincare and have bottles and bottles of magic potions on the dressing table (a habit I definitely got from my mum who has a new wonder cream every week….)
Turning 30 and with the wedding looming I decided I needed to get a proper routine going so went and purchased most of the dermalogica range! Currently rating their UltraCalming cleanser which is the only thing I have found which successfully removes all layers of mascara and leaves my skin glowing.
I was also really conscious of the lines around my mouth (supposedly laughter lines but nothing has ever been THAT funny!) so have been applying Clinique’s Repairwear Laser Focus on the recommendation of my mum and it is definitely making a difference. At £38 for a teeny bottle it is not cheap but anything that helps my ever spreading wrinkles is a winner in my book!
@Charlotte – I know, I’m just really forgetful and also incredibly lazy. The stripes thing was really weird after the dermabrasion. I was totally fine all day and then it just flared up that evening – it makes sense that the level wasn’t right. I’m booking back in so will check with them. Thank you lovely.
Can anyone recommend a cleansing wipe that will work on eye-make up too?
Baby steps… xx
Ooh and Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is always a saviour especially on hungover skin…
Fabulous post ladies, just what I need at the moment!
As an eczema sufferer I have gone through many different regimes, Started off as many do – Simple. Then my mum got me hooked onto Clinique’s cleanse, tone, moisterise routine, but something happened as I hit my late teens and my skin decided it had had enough of that, so back to Simple I went. Then after many years of lovely my Simple skin care products my skin decided it had had enough of that too! (I swear my skin has a little mind of it’s own!)
Now I currently use Boots own Sensitive Skin eye make up remover to remove all my make up. It is very greasy but it is so soft on my skin and as long as I blot off most of the residue then my skin is fairly happy.
I hate it, but I try not to wear any make up throughout the week, which means I look pretty pale BUT my skin is thankful for it so I guess that’s the most important thing??!!
When I have a really bad outbreak and my face looks like a beetroot then I also use Body Shop Aloe Protective Restoring Mask. It instantly cools my face and the following morning the redness is greatly reduced.
The worst thing I do for my skin is….drink wine!!! But it is soooo yummy :-s It’s not quite as bad when I drink sparkly wine (or so I tell myself!)
I just try to make sure if I am having a wine night then I drink lots and lots of water to try and keep my skin hydrated and hope it doesn’t get angry with me
Definitely need to try out the oats thing – I keep hearing about it but have never been confident enough to try it
xx
and will be looking into the Aveeno cream, so thanks ladies
ps. need to get myself a new spot cream/gel and concealer (or maybe an all-in-one) any ideas ladies?
@Kate – I’m loving Dermalogica too. Currently using their Special Cleansing Gel, Active Moist moisturiser and Daily Microfoliant and they are all fantastic, I recently invested in the Clarisonic Mia brush thingie and I’ve seen great results on my skin – my pores have never been so clean!
Another vote for Sudocreme for spot clearing too – brilliant stuff.
@Naomi – definitely going to try the Mask of Magnimity for spooty arms – need to be strapless dress ready in two months!
@Rebecca – definitely piles cream or Sudocrem on the spots! Also, MAC studio finish concealer is brilliant. best i’ve ever used. x
I love Liz Earle! I have the whole range – it makes my skin look really healthy
should have probably taken my mum’s advice to get a stitch put in it, but I was running late for work…
Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions for minimising scars? I’ve been really lucky and for the most part and hardly ever get spots, but my cat scratched my lip quite badly last year, and although it’s healed – I can still see the scar
It feels really noticeable because it’s above my top lip – I don’t want it to be visible on the big day! xx
@Charlotte – might have to give that Ultrasun a try
I also really struggle in the heat (the joy of being fair-haired and pale, I mean porcelain!!!)
Currently use Simple range of suncreams and never anything lower than 30spf (used to go to 10 & 15 – but am just too worried about burning as I burn so darn easily)
But if the place is too hot then I still suffer heat rash in the Simple stuff so maybe Ultrasun will be good…..
@Karen, you are very naughty! :p
I’m not great at drinking water at the moment – but when I am determined to get skin healty then water is the best thing for it. I am pretty rubbish at leaving my desk to go to the water machine so I try to remember to take a litre bottle of water to work with me everyday & make it my challenge to finish that bottle before I leave at the end of the day. Believe me when I say, it definitely helps
right, off to practice what I am preaching & get some water!
xx
Bio-oil @Lynsey – great for scarring x
@Charlotte – re- Ultrasun, if this works i may just buy you a present!! It’ll be grey or coral ;o)
I am loving this post, where do you get Sarah Chapman from Charlotte my love, it sounds like i need some?
I am just starting out with some liz earle hot cloth after trying it at my mums and my skin loving it.
I suffer with dryness on the t zone and around the nosal area so slather on some nivea thick cream as recommended by Charlotte and it works a treat. I also really rate avene products and the thermal water spray i adore. I pop it on after applying my make up too..also a tip i heard on the web
I never wear make up to bed, and dont wear foundation unless going full on glam, i tend to use the chanel foundation press powder. Just smoothes things over n stops shine from my creams.
I also have dermabrasion every few months as even though my skin is dry it doesnt dry it out more, rather rids the flakes and leaves it silky smooth and my creams work loads better. Stripes are surely due to bad practice? Never had them.
In the end, i am pretty sure all that matters is moisturising and spf thirty, a must with dermabrasion to avoid age spots. Botox is where i will go when the lines set in haha.
Charlotte, apparantely Jen Ann swears by vaseline round the eyes…and she has pretty good skin for her age non? Am on it too!
Xx
@Rebecca, but water is RUBBISH. Tea and wine are better x
That’s a very interesting topic because it was one of my main concern before getting married : Waking up on the morning of the wedding with a big spot on my nose!
Especially that I still have a teenager skin.
So I decided 2 months before the wedding to stop all the things that I know is bad for my skin : Chocolate (I ate my easter eggs in june instead), alcohol, make up etc.
Every day I was eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Well my skin has never been so pretty! I woke up on the morning of the wedding with a baby skin!
@Karen – I know! I would much prefer a yummy glass of wine, but alas I have to hold back on the wine….well until the weekends!!! ha ha xx
I am so bad at drinking water! I have it with my dinner but that’s pretty much it – otherwise it’s copious amounts of sugary tea
OMG lush ultrabland is my favourite skincare product ever! I urge all of you to try it! A big pot is about a tenner and lasts for months. Just whack it on all over your face and use rub off your eye makeup (you look like a manga panda but its amazing!) then wipe it all off with a damp muslin square (just buy cheap baby ones not fancy skincare ones) and thats it! you dont need eye makeup remover or any of that garb and if you’re skin isn’t dry as a bone like mine you might not even need moisturiser afterwards. I even use it instead of shaving balm on my bikini line as its so gentle you dont get any irritation.
I also swear by sudocrem and ren skincare products. Ren is quite pricey but is all natural and lasts for ages. They do a skin peel mask which sounds scary but makes you look amazing. Their omega 3 overnight serum makes you wake up with baby skin, i’m going to be slapping it on the night before my wedding!
I swear I don’t work for lush but i would definitely urge everyone to try their products if you have weird dry but also spotty skin like mine, i think the natural ingredients just balance everything out!
Loving this post.
I too am a total sucker for all things skincare (I blame my lovely mother!). I used to be a Simple follower but like Rebecca as I hit my 20s my skin revolted and became super sensitive, oily and spotty…yuck! I then tried Origins which I loved for a few years and again my skin decided it had had enough. Used Neil’s Yard Rose moisturiser after that which is super nice but not heavy enough for me. I have now come across Liz Earl thanks to RMW, big love to L.E. however I have found I am too lazy to keep up with the hot cloth cleanser morning and night so I use Origins ‘checks and balances’ face wash in the morning and sometimes at night if I can’t face (see the pun..HA!) the hot cloth!
Don’t use a lot of make up really, but am liking Garnier’s BB cream in ‘light’ as am super pale! Use Soap & Glory undereye make up which works a treat on dark circles with a bit of No 7 ‘light’ undereye stuff (a bit like touche eclat without the price tag!), Witch concealer on blemishes and Ruby and Millie blusher stick (kinda like a big lip balm but gives a lovely natural pinkish glow)…oh and some mascarra to finish off!
I love a good massage and facial, I live in Glasgow near the wonderful Willow Trading which I would recommend to anyone in need of some pampering and it won’t cost the earth either!
Would love any more tips/recommendations for nice skin!
At the risk of sounding like the token hippy and after years and battling with acne, EXTREMELY sensitive skin, pores you could store loose change in, I’ve discovered olive oil.
Yup. Olive oil.
I keep some (organic, of course) in a Neal’s Yard bottle (blue) with pump, massage it into my face twice daily, wipe off with tissue and I’m done. It acts as makeup remover, so there’s no need for a separate product and – shock – since I’ve been using it, my pores have shrunk and I have no need for moisturiser anymore.
I’m fully aware that it sounds bonkers – and greasy – but the Japanese have been using oil as a cleanser for years and they seem to have a pretty good grasp on youthful skin!
I also use an oat and honey scrub like Jenny and sometimes just the honey! (also, a friend with severe dermatitis has found using honey and coconut oil has been the only thing (drugs included) that has helped relieve his skin condition).
I would like to second, third and fourth the drinking enough water suggestion. This works especially well for under-eye bags and dark circles that no one wants. Plus enough sleep, please!
I’ve always had rather bad skin until I discovered two things:
- Stop eating pork. It gives me little spots all around the chin/neck area. So no pork for me.
- No mineral oils in my cosmetic products. Which means I go with Korres all the way for cleansing (Milk Protein Soap at £4 a bar, complete bargain!), moisturising (Yoghurt Moisturiser for oily/dry skin) and eye cream (Evening Primrose Eye Cream, highlights AND reduces little wrinkles, it’s all I’ve ever used).
Plus I never really use foundation or make-up except Bare Minerals primer and foundation maybe once a week for work. Keeps my skin happy and breathing.
Oh, and Vichy eye make-up remover for sensitive eyes which gets rid of everything, doesn’t smear and de-puffs your eyes at the same time. I wear contact lenses so I can only use mild stuff (Purete Thermale Sensitive Eyes Make-up Remover).
Can anyone advise the optimum time to have a pre-wedding facial? Don’t want to encourage a break-out before!
Fast approaching wedding and finally (at age 30 and 9 months) got my skin sorted, horrah!! My regime is:
Dermalogica Clear Clay Cleanser, Dermalogica microvitamin thermafoliant and and regular facials. Would highly recommend this stuff and going for a proper ‘face mapping’ assessment. It doesn’t come cheap but it really works and lasts for ages.
Bio-oil – love this!
Aldi moisturiser – really, try it!! Its won awards!
Big blob of Sudocream overnight on any pesky breakouts.
@Em K – what kind of olive oil do you use? do you get it from anywhere in particular?
@Kitty – I often breakout after a facial so have booked mine for one week before the wedding x
Aveeno is fab. Initially found it in Canada when I was having problems with an eczema outbreak and had no cortisone with me (1% off the shelf hyrdrocortisone doesn’t do nice things to my skin) and after I came home I would get my Aunt to import a bucket load on every visit. Now it’s everywhere in the UK, great as a general moisturiser and for eczema prone skin, should cut down on the need for prescription/steriod stuff which is just not good for the skin long term. Bargain hunters check out Costco – if they have it, you get 3 bottles for the price of 1 in Boots.
@Alex Mrs M – From Space NK love, it is pricey (£58) for a bottle but it lasts a good 3 months and I use it twice (sometimes three times!) a day.
@Lynsey – I have a scar on my top lip
I would recommend rose mosquetta oil (good for scars -available from health food stores) or go and see a good dermatologist who may be able to recommend some more intensive treatment.
Charlotte xxx
Hey guys,another great post. I had to comment. I agree with Lush – I use the cupcake mask from time to time or the Brazened Honey – amazing stuff! My every day swear by products have to be Dermalogica, ever since I went to one facial and bought the products I haven’t had zits, my once dry skin is now back to normal and my oily t zone is back to normal too!
The other product I swear by, and my husband now uses too, is the 8 hour skin protectant by Elizabeth Arden. I don’t think you’re supposed to do this but before a flight, I smack quite a bit on (you do look rather oily when doing this) but coming off a 9 hour flight, my skin still looked and felt amazing with absolutely no dryness!
My husband suffered from very dry skin and eczema as a child so he really feels that if and when he gets patches EA really helps!
That’s all for now! Ps. The Dermalogica products I use are called Special Cleansing Gel and the Multi -Purpose toner and sometimes the Rice Exfoliant. AMAZING.
Great post and I’m off to buy some sudocrem!
I’ve got very temperamental skin – looks somehow dry and greasy at the same time!
I used to use Clinique (the ‘system’ with cleanser, toner and moisturiser) but I found it was really drying my skin out. I spoke to a beauty therapist friend who said that the department store she used to work in used the toner to clean the glass counters to a nice shine! That was it, I stopped with that immediately.
Now I used Aveda products, from their ‘outer peace’ range for blemish prone skin. The one thing that I still have problems with is the shine – its actually my biggest worry about wedding day photos! But I recently found bare minerals ‘prime time’ which seems to be working quite well….we’ll see whether that lasts!
Question for you lovely lot though – any recommendations for sun lotion for sensitive skin? I can’t put normal suncream on my face, and the Mr is very sun-sensitive and needs to be slathered in the stuff but so many of them are so gross! Advice gratefully received before we go on our holibobs.
@Charlotte – I get it from Waitrose
same stuff I cook with! Recently its a Spanish one (Carbonell) but I’ve used the others too…
Jenny! Just done your oats-in-the-bath trick. Fabulous!
@Karen – hilarious, I’m also rubbish at the water thing generally and am firmly in the tea and wine camp!
Wine should be able to count to the 5 a day right, as its grape an’ all??!
I do also have a Sarah Chapman and Elemis love – I got spoilt on Clarins growing up and have been a beauty junkie ever since. The SC eye cream is unbelievably brilliant and I love the Elemis brightener…
Talk to me about dermabrasion though – is it really any good? does it hurt???!
Wow, some brilliant tips here, thanks ladies!
My recommendations:
- heat rash/any skin irritation – aloe vera gel. It’s brilliant.
- make up wipes that also clean off eye make up – Johnsons (baby wipes, even better but their skin ones are good too)
- moisturiser – Palmers Cocoa butter – one of my besties introduced me to this stuff to keep your tan for longer, but actually I now use a lot more. My fiance’s well into it too – keeps his skin feeling nice and smooth
)
For all those of you who aren’t drinking plenty of water – I was like you once….and then my fiance bought me this:
http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Bottles/Better-Bottle-75L.aspx
It’s like a toy! And I find myself drinking about four or five of these a day. Do you know what? Better skin plus I sleep better too because I’m not drinking caffeine/sugary drinks. Oh and I’ve actually found that my tastebuds have become more acute, meaning I get to enjoy food a lot more.
Now, I’m off to the shops to get some oats, sounds amazing!
xxx
@Karen, just bought my sudocream from Boots at lunch, let’s hope it works! otherwise there’ll be trouble!!! hee hee (only joking)
@Inbal, check out Charlotte’s first comment from the comments section – she mentioned ‘Ultratan’ and there is a link on where to buy – am thinking of trying some myself on this reccomendation as I always suffer in the sun
xx
Just a quicky here but loving all these suggestions… I suffer from exzema and spots, worst combo ever and stress brings them both out. The week before my wedding my chin and upper lip were covered in red flakey skin (the ‘beard of pain’) and I was at my wit’s end and did a lot of searches on trusty google for ‘exzema cure 1 week before wedding’. Most recommended was Elemis SOS emergency cream. I went with a friend from work to buy it at lunch time and I’m not kidding within 20 minutes of putting it on my skin was less red and softer and I used it right up to the wedding day. It smells gorgeous too…
Recently I have become a bit Sarah Chapman obsessed, the eye recovery is the only eye cream I’ve tried that doesn’t sting and the overnight facial oil is LOVELY.
I’ve spent 10 years as a PR in the hair and beauty industry and therefore, tried cupboards full of products – mostly to try and find something that would work with my super sensitive, eczema prone skin (I feel your pain @Fiona!).
A product I treat myself to every so often is Skin Ceuticals c e ferulic – it’s tres expensive but for some reason, works really well on my skin, plumps it up in an instant and makes it look all healthy and glowing- AMAZING! I’m not the only one – so many people I know in the industry use it as their secret weapon.
I would also recommend having a look on cultbeauty.co.uk. It literally stocks THE cult products from so many amazing ranges.
Oh and drinking water really does work. Every day I put a big bottle on my desk and make sure I get through it all before I go home. Only works if you keep it up though – I think you can notice changes in about 3 weeks.
…and @Inbal, try Avene for sun cream.
PS I’m not a beauty PR any more and the above aren’t my clients – I just really rate them
Like @Charlotte, I’m a fan of Boots Simply Sensitive range – cheap as chips and does the job even for the amount of eyeliner and mascara I wear! (Clue – I don’t have makeup brushes, I have trowels and ladles!). I’ve also recently discovered Boots No7 Beautiful Skin moisturiser – I’d ran out of my Christmas Protect and Perfect goodies but was a bit too skint to splash £40 on replacing them, and while I was having the internal debate (food or skincare? food or skincare?) I spotted the new range. £12.50 for a nice big jar of day cream and it’s light and soaks nicely into my T-zoney boat race. I feel pretty! I’m also a fan of the Lush and my favourite discovery is Colour Supplements, which are like tiny jars of concentrated tinted moisturiser – you can either spread them around as a light base, dab them as concealer or mix with actual moisturiser. the Jackie Oates shade is ideal for pale-but-fascinating complexions like mine, and there’s also pinky ones and yellowy ones for more normal-toned ladies.
My major W-day fear is my back – like a dimwit I bought a strapless frock before remembering my nasty tendency to get spots on my upper back (I’m 32 for crying out loud, when do spots just give up?!) Anyone else had the same problem or have any good suggestions?
Hi all, a fab post, i do love to read everyone’s recommendations!
I thought i might add my two cents here, as someone who has been through the medical wars with my skin and come out the other side. I’m sure there will be some lovely ladies reading this who are really worried about their not so lovely skin, and maybe this post might help?
Here comes the science bit – not for the fainthearted
I had ‘normal’ acne like anyone else throughout my teens, a spot here and there each day, sometimes a bit of a flare up, nothing unusual. Then suddenly aged around 22 my skin went mental! I got a bad case of cycstic acne. That means my face was covered in large painful bumps, up to an inch across. Very swollen, very sore, some days i couldn’t even smile or open an eye. Not a great look!
I went to the GP and got prescribed a topical gel, unfortunately this really has no effect on severe acne, as the acne is not caused by a product you use, or how often you wash or whatever, but by some internal malfunction. If your topical cream doesn;t work, ASK for a referral to a dermatologist! they are the only people who can prescribe ‘the hard stuff’ but for a lot of ladies, when hormones come into play, that’s the only stuff that will work.
I got referred to dermo at Kings Hospital, who were amazing, i was put on isoretretinoin (more commonly known as roaccutane) it is hardcore stuff that comes with a list of horrific side effects, but for me a 9 month course of that, plus some minor surgeries did the trick.
If you are already on roaccutane (which, it turns out, is pretty common!) or considering it, here are my ‘beauty products’ for you -
Camilosan – you’ll find it in the baby bit of the supermarket. commonly used for breast feeding nipps, it’s just chamomile lotion and is a GODSEND for dry cracked lips. Dispense it into a little jar and no-one will be any the wiser!
Bio-Oil – already mentioned by someone else. Use it twice a day as your moisturiser, and it will also help your skin heal and fade scars
Simple – cleanser, facewipes, moisturiser, whatever. It really is simple!
Good luck ladies, and please please don’t sit at home worrying about your skin and hoping it will look good on the big day, go to the GP and they will be able to help!
OK I think I’m sold on sudocrem after everyone’s recommendations – will buy some when next visit the shops!
On the subject of facewipes when I went to Champneys in March and had a facial from one of their premier therapists (the perks of my aunty being PA to Mrs Perdew) she mentioned that facewipes aren’t great because they often spread the makeup/dirt/grease around your face and clog up pores when you press on them rather than removing everything…I confess I do still use them first but always use another cleanser after to make sure I get rid of any residue…
Any tips for big clogged pores on the nose? I’m desperate!
My GP at home who I used to go to about skin problems told me to use an old toothbrush and soap and warm water to get rid of blackheads on the nose – and then told me that he used that method himself. Cue my teenage self cringing at the thought of sharing spot zapping techniques with my elderly doctor. I don’t think it works either!
I can really recommend Sali Hughes’ column in the guardian on beauty stuff – I’ve been using cheapo face cloths on her recommendation and noticed a real difference, more so than the pricey clarisonic! I just google her name and whatever problem it is I’m experiencing at that point – she does make up too… x
by faceclothes i mean towelling ones not the cleansing wipes
@Fiona – That’s it I’m having a go with Sarah Chapman eye recovery – you are about the third person that has recommended it recently.
@Victoria – Beauty PR…dreamy! I have played with Skin Ceuticals before, I have their serum 10 but it seems a bit harsh, I’m thinking of maybe trying it a few times a week and seeing how I get on.
@Heidi – A Friend of James’s from Uni had tried everything to treat his severe acne and was put on Roaccutane, after 9 months James said his skin was pretty much perfect. Obviously everyone needs to discuss this treatment with their GP/Derm but thanks for the tips and advice – that Camilosan sounds amazing!
@Kitty – I would say avoid any make-up with silicone in it (primers are the worst) and exfoliate regularly, also don’t over moisturise this area. Cheap and cheerful but works if you are suffering from congestion is the MD Formulations Sensitive range, I use the scrub every once in a while and it does make your pores squeaky clean!
Charlotte xxx
Thanks Charlotte
I have wondered about those strips you can get for unclogging pores – anyone tried those? :-/
@Kitty, I tried some a while back & they barely got anything off my nose! Oh & my nose was red for nearly 12 hours! :-/ xx
@fiona – Where does one find cheep face cloths?! I need some!
Also going to google Sali Hughes…..
Do you mean the Guardian on a certain day? The Guardian every day or the Guardian on-line?!
Charlotte xxx
@ Charlotte, all Sali Hughes’ columns go on the Guardian online, I think her regular column is a Friday. She does videos, too! Oh and she’s on Twitter.
I have sensitive, oily, troublesome skin and I absolutely swear by my Good Things cleanser, it’s lovely and mild with no sodium laureth/lauryl sulphate or mineral oils. I use distilled witch hazel as a toner. Both cheap as chips!
I use adapalene cream (from GP) at night and Avene Cleanance K gel in the morning, and my skin’s never been so clear. Hardly a spot in sight! It’s definitely the Avene gel that’s made the most difference.
Liz Earle Superskin moisturiser is the best moisturiser ever in the history of the world. Seriously. It’s supposed to be aimed at older skins and I’m only 26 but I love it with a fiery passion.
@Charlotte – Guardian online, but I just google ‘sali hughes guardian’ and say…. dry skin or liquid eyeliner or whatever. She does videos too but I just skip to the product recommendations.
Recently she did under a fiver hero products – one of them was sudocreme funnily enough and another was a kate moss rimmel lipstick which is a red to suit everyone – I can confirm this is true…
As for face cloths – I got mine in superdrug, got 5 for a pound or something but ikea ones are ok as well – just go for the value range. My mum’s friend swears by e-cloths and water but haven’t had tried that yet – don’t like the idea of giving up nice smelling products!!
@Rachel and @Fiona – Oh no! Have just googled Sali Hughes and can see I will be on my computer for most of the evening
@Rachel – Hmmmm, I may try this distilled witch hazel – it doesn’t dry the skin then?
@Fiona – Apologies if I sound a bit dumb but face cloths, do you mean muslin? or like flannel? and what is an e-cloth?!
@Charlotte – I used to dilute it with water because I was worried about possible drying-out, but these days I just slap it on neat with no problems! I guess everyone’s skin is different and you’d have to find your own level. You can also pop a few drops of tea tree and lavender oil in and shake before every use.
@Charlotte and @Rachel – too little time too many things to try!
I mean flannels, as in towelling flannels like your mum used to wipe the mud off your face at the end of the day till it used to sting just a teeny bit (just me??).. I got a job lot of white ones and use them with really hot water to take off cleanser and give my face a good steam then use really cold water at the end to close pores and make me feel like i’m in a spa…
E-cloths I think are the micro porous cloths you use to clean your kitchen counters – you get them in supermarkets and you’re supposed to be able to use them with just water because of lots of little hairy bits on them or something (scientific…). They’re super soft so don’t think i’m recommending scouring your face or anything. I will test them and report back..
do you like my use of micro porous?!
I love and swear by liz Earle! I’ve had ok but not great skin for years, I’ve tried loads of different products but a friend recommended liz Earle, at first it was a bit time consuming but now it’s a doddle and skin is better than its ever been!
I’m intrigued by the oats!
@Fiona – Thanks for the tips love, I am definitely getting some towelling flannels – never been keen on those muslin cloths for some reason.
Also my Nana (who is 92 and looks at least 20 years younger) has only ever used a flannel, hot water and vaseline over her entire face…..
Charlotte xxx
I have dry skin which is prone to eczema flare ups. I use Liza Earle hot cloth cleanser, demologica skin smoothing cream and Estée Lauder advanced night repair. When my eczema got ready bad I went to see a dermologist in London who prescribed a protopic cream which works wonders without the negative steroid cream side effects. I like the sound of the Sarah chapman hydration booster so that’s next on my list!xx