Your tips on how to look more Groomed, Glamorous or Polished #9

[EllsBellsWells]

Just a reminder that the 23% off site wide at The Ordinary finishes today! You also get a free eye serum and free shipping.

I’ve used Ordinary stuff since they launched and I’ve found the quality is excellent. They have a routine builder if you’re new and baffled by it all-

Skincare Regimen Builder | The Ordinary

Take a look at The Ordinary's skin care Regimen Builder quiz to discover a customized skin care routine for your specific skin type and concerns. Try it here.

theordinary.com

 

[Mollywobbles]

And don’t keep anything for best.

I’ve got an old moisturiser tub and I top it up with moisturiser I’m fed up with, serums, samples, leftover hand cream, body lotion and it lives on my bedside table. Stir it all up and rub it on my feet, knees and elbows last thing at night.

I don’t keep any makeup for best.

 

[AlwaysSummer]

It’s quite sad that 11 year olds are asking for skincare regimes from Nip Tuck etc. Not throwing shade at the OP mum, just the way that children are being marketed to via social media and outside influences. Just the word regime means an ordered way of doing things - and an 11 year old should not be thinking about routines and structure at that age. I know things move on but the small period of childhood gets more and more compressed, and the compression is usually down to commercialism, get them young and locked into a lifetime (if you are a woman) of trying to buy self esteem by way of exterior things. Wrong thread, and here endeth the lesson.

This is a rather idealistic view of modern life and young girls. I don’t think there is anything wrong with an 11-year old being interested in skincare. You can try and close your eyes to what young girls are exposed to or choose to embrace their curiosity and encourage them to look out for good advice and create life-long habits along the way. I feel girls and women have a hard time as it is and don’t deserve to be judged for wanting to look their best.

My 13-year old loves make up and skincare. We’ve build a simple skin routine that she is enjoys and is happy to stick to consistently. If i was able to go back in time I would love to have been taught about the importance of looking after my skin from an earlier age too. It’s really basic self care and not something girls and women should feel ashamed of or judged.

 

[fishyfishfish]

I’ve been thinking this too. I am far too impulsive. I might start putting what I would have spent into a savings account so it’s still there if I decide I really do need The Thing.

this is a great idea! Maybe I'll set up a thread in off topic for it if you're up for giving it a go?
---
Because I am impulsive (lol the irony) I have made the thread. Nothing like a bit of accountability!

Do I want it? No. Do I need it? No. Save it!

Anyone here done a low buy/no buy before? Any tips on how you made it sucessful? I am doing one for clothes and accessories for 2022 as I just have way too much stuff and am sick of myself buying more and more when I don’t need it.

tattle.life

 

[Scorpihoe]

Please let me know how you get on with the summer Fridays lip balm! I’ve been wanting to buy this xx

The fact that it’s my 5th one, says everything I am OBSESSED. My pink sugar one has been truly abused. It’s the best lip balm I’ve ever tried

 

[EllsBellsWells]

What does collagen powder do?

It’s a bit of an unknown really, there’s no scientific evidence to prove the results, and in fact arguably aspects of skin and ageing are biologically impossible to improve by essentially eating collagen. But that said, some people do genuinely say they’ve had improvements when using it and I don’t feel that can be ignored? There was a podcast about it that I found really interesting, I know I’ve mentioned it before hah!

Sliced Bread - Collagen Supplements - BBC Sounds

Can taking collagen supplements really help reduce wrinkles?

www.bbc.co.uk

I think the thing that concerns me personally is that it’s yet another thing aimed at women to keep ‘eternally young’ and it’s quite expensive, so it’s really unregulated and potentially just another way to scam people out of their hard earned pennies!! Whilst it’s still the Wild West of an industry people might be better spending their money on other things. But yeah, I do hear people saying it’s done them good and I don’t want to overlook that.

 

[adviseplz]

Thank you Putting it all under a spoiler because it's rambling.

Spoiler

I don't have access to therapy or medication at the moment, I want to make an appointment with a psychiatrist but I keep postponing it because, brain.

I actually managed to shower and wash my hair this evening, it's a big win. The panic of my mother dropping in and seeing the state of me was enough anxiety to reset my executive dysfunction, I can't deal with questions right now. I will try to get my nails done next week and see if it helps

I do like the feeling of being neat and clean but this month is running away with me, most of the time I don't follow what day it is until I check the calendar. Maybe actually writing out a shower and personal care schedule might help, but I'll have to find a way to make it not look so daunting.

Sometimes if I’m feeling shitty and I know I haven’t showered in a while, but for whatever reason I don’t want to get in the shower, I ask myself “what’s going to make me feel better in this moment” and the answer is always a shower, and it gives me the push I need to get in there. And I always feel better afterwards, even if it’s a quick one.

Just wanted to share that in case it helps you too. Sending lots of love

 

[Scorpihoe]

A side note - companies take allergic reactions very very seriously. My husband and I went to a luxury spa before Christmas and I got a full body treatment done there (back massage, facial, head massage etc). Turns out I reacted badly to one of the products they used in the facial. I wasn’t too fussed as I have sensitive skin and it wasn’t their fault.

They were extremely apologetic and they refunded my entire spa day (including the treatment), and my husbands spa day + any extras, food, treatments we bought on the day. Well over £500. I was so shocked and didn’t expect anything, but it was so lovely of them. Aside from the reaction, we had an amazing day

 

[Lucyxxxx]

Does anyone recommend any ovulation/ period tracker apps??

If your trying for or even avoiding a baby I wouldnt bother. We was avoiding pregnancy via ovulation tracking... boom got pregnant (my fellas swimmers lived for 7/8 days inside me). Then sadly lost the baby and started trying/tracking and nothing. This is my first month of just not bothering anymore as too upsetting when my period comes.

 

[Por Que?]

I’ve recently taken stock of everything I have and it’s more than is sensible. I’ve also recently found some products that really work for me so would like to repurchase when they run out. I’m therefore focusing on using up the other stuff I already have in those categories so I’m left with only my preferred items. There are still many categories where I like different products or I’m not really fussed so I can scratch the itch of trying different things when the fancy takes me, albeit sparingly as I work on getting the volume down to more sensible levels. I’ve also started pulling out things that are already well used to finish them up quickly and things that realistically I won’t use up for their intended purpose and repurposing in ways that are quicker to get through for me. I leave these things out as extra motivation to use them up so I can clear the clutter and so I don’t forget about them/get distracted by other things.

I pick what I fancy when I’m going somewhere noteworthy but day to day I’m really motivated by finishing stuff off and getting it out of the house. I still have enough on my hitlist for variety day to day.

“Don’t keep things for best, you can’t take it with you and it will go bad eventually” - reformed keeper of expensive products for best and continued hater of waste

 

[_Laura]

Just a heads up (as I only found this out very recently) but if you’re hoping to get a mortgage (either a new one or a remortgage) then banks do not look kindly on seeing Klarna and the like on your bank statements, even if you’re taking it out and paying it back quickly. They just see someone who potentially can’t control their spending.

I feel like such a mug as I’ve been using been using for a good two years so it’s alllll over my my bank statements! And I was hoping to buy my first house next year

They only asked for 3 months of bank statements when I applied for a mortgage in 2022 Lived like a saint for 3 months haha, no pub, no Klarna, no fun!

Can’t believe it’s taken until thread 9 for me to see these wee gems! Only got through a few posts (phone battery dying & I need to do this bloody elf!) but I’m definitely Making time tomorrow to go through all these hints & tips. Been really struggling to feel comfortable in my own skin the last year since I was diagnosed with breast cancer & went through chemo with all the nasty side effects it brings. I’m thankfully out the other end of it all now & clear - been focussing on my 2 young kids recently & have got in a funk. Still using the same make up since about 2002 so appreciate all the recommendations

Congratulations on the all clear! From one cancer survivor (all clear in 2021) to another, my one recommendation would be to not rush this and expect to feel like yourself straightaway! I think it took me about 16 months to feel like my old self
Now on to less patronising recommendations, do you tint your eyebrows? I lost my eyebrows and eyelashes during chemo so I’m never taking them for granted ever again! I dye my eyebrows every couple of months and it makes such a difference to how I feel without make up! The Etude House lash serum works great on me too!

 

[House of Tea]

This is a rather idealistic view of modern life and young girls. I don’t think there is anything wrong with an 11-year old being interested in skincare. You can try and close your eyes to what young girls are exposed to or choose to embrace their curiosity and encourage them to look out for good advice and create life-long habits along the way. I feel girls and women have a hard time as it is and don’t deserve to be judged for wanting to look their best.

My 13-year old loves make up and skincare. We’ve build a simple skin routine that she is enjoys and is happy to stick to consistently. If i was able to go back in time I would love to have been taught about the importance of looking after my skin from an earlier age too. It’s really basic self care and not something girls and women should feel ashamed of or judged.

It is the naming of the brands, Nip Tuck and the others - not cheap. It is to impress peers not about improving skin. If she asked to pop to Boots with her mum to check out some of the ranges aimed at kids, fair enough. It is the fact that she has named popular brands. The ones that will give her kudos with her mates. The Ordinary can be cheap ish but only if you buy one or two products, no child should be layering over their fresh skin with multifarious products.

I feel girls and women have a hard time as it is and don’t deserve to be judged for wanting to look their best.
Nobody is judging, but we should teach girls that looking their best doesn’t mean they should fall into the trap of buying expensive stuff they don’t need.
It’s really basic self care and not something girls and women should feel ashamed of or judged.
There is not one part of women’s bodies that isn’t rinsed of money by commercialisation. We are told from increasingly young ages and via increasingly insidious ways that we are not enough the way we are. We are being judged all the time, that is why we spend money on stuff to make us feel better. Except we just buy and buy. It’s a tax on women (and increasingly young boys) - if I sat and added up all the money I have wasted on pointless shite over the years I could be sitting in a four bedroom detached house now. Let the kids be kids for longer than 11 years.

 

[AlwaysSummer]

Just went for a browse in Superdrug. The assistants wear headsets in there. I walked in and stopped by the counter and an assistant was tidying up make up. Someone said something in her earpiece, she looked at me and said, don’t worry, its just an old woman. I am double hurt - a)because I obviously looked like a shoplifter (I looked smartish today) and b)the dismissive way I was talked about and c) if I am more honest, this was the killer blow - because she thought I was an old woman. I didn’t buy anything. No point. Went to B&Q to get some paint. Contemplated getting polyfilla for my face.

OMG, that’s truly awful. Would you consider putting in a complaint? This is so unacceptable on so many levels. Sending hugs x

 

[Scorpihoe]

I’ve decided to start really taking care of my skin/prevent aging, here’s what I’ve come up with:

• Using suncream daily and carrying it with me, reapply throughout the day, down to neck
• Retinol at night, build up my tolerance as I have sensitive skin, then go onto tretinoin
• Preventative Botox, starting soon, I’m a bit too scared to book myself in right now
• Taking collagen powder every day - can you guys recommend some really good ones for me to try out please?

sorry for the list, I’ve just randomly woken up and decided that when I’m 50, I want to look 12

 

[Ametrine]

Things which have really helped me recently:

Somebody up thread mentioned The Blowout Professor on YouTube. His advice has totally changed my wavy, long, coarse and unruly hair. The things which really have helped me are using a professional shampoo (whereas I always thought they were a rip-off), using leave-in conditioner, and protecting your hair from humidity in the shower properly by using a terry-lined shower cap. I now use hair masks more often too.

I also rate Color Wow Dream Coat. It really helps my hair to not get frizzy, and makes it really shiny. I used to use the normal version, now I use the extra strength version. It does take some work though - you do need to blow dry your hair with it, and use tension to shape it. I use it with a round blow drying brush. I also layer it with other products, even though on the bottle it says not to.

For skincare, as well as the infamous Drunk Elephant I mentioned previously, I like Superdrug's Me+ range. They do a BHA toner which has replaced the more expensive Paula's Choice one I use to buy. I also like The Ordinary, Curel and Hada Labo. My skin now also suits good old fashioned Nivea Creme, and I use this on top as a last layer to seal everything in.

I found the the Laneige Lip Sleeping Masks to be overrated. I bought a mini gift set to try out. For me, they're just not hydrating enough. The colours and flavours are a nice gimmick though. I also found some flavours to be more hydrating than others. If you want to try it, I would advise getting a mini set to try out.

 

[Libbylulu]

I’ve started a Pinterest board on all the great hints and tips that I’ve learned from here. Otherwise when it comes to shopping I never remember the products. Love this thread

 

[Curly]

My hands are straight up in the air when your asking who buys sequin stuff
Every work night out I have been to at Christmas has been full of sequins sparkle glitter and nobody has ever looked out of place.
I’d be so disappointed if my Christmas night out wasn’t a dress up occasion

 

[xoxogossip_girl]

My 11 year old daughters have both asked for “skincare” for Christmas. I literally use a bit of micellar water to take makeup off, and a cerave moisturiser, so I’m absolutely clueless.
Can anyone recommend a few products that I can get them, to have a little skincare routine. Ideally not too expensive (as I’ll have to get 2 of everything) and something I can order online/pick up in store easily. We live in Cardiff, so have a fair few shops to pick from

Please don’t buy them anything with actives like retinol or AHAs. They are far too young. Like someone else suggested gentle products from injury list or byoma. Get them an SPF it’s a good habit to get in but I’m shocked at what is being bought for some young girls. Their skin barrier will be screwed

 

[petalpetal5381]

I’m torn about it. Of course there is that risk of ruining the skin barrier of a young ‘un. But then, I can’t think Clean & Clear and whatever else I used to shovel on my face at that age did my skin any favours! Wouldn’t clean my drains out with it now!

Omg same. I was tearing my skin apart with that bloody apricot kernel scrub every day plus clearasil, and then baby oil in summer to make me tanned

 

[Ametrine]

This is a rather idealistic view of modern life and young girls. I don’t think there is anything wrong with an 11-year old being interested in skincare. You can try and close your eyes to what young girls are exposed to or choose to embrace their curiosity and encourage them to look out for good advice and create life-long habits along the way. I feel girls and women have a hard time as it is and don’t deserve to be judged for wanting to look their best.

My 13-year old loves make up and skincare. We’ve build a simple skin routine that she is enjoys and is happy to stick to consistently. If i was able to go back in time I would love to have been taught about the importance of looking after my skin from an earlier age too. It’s really basic self care and not something girls and women should feel ashamed of or judged.

I agree with @House of Tea here. It’s the naming of the brands which is the real issue here.

Teenagers and tweens do not need to be using an expensive brand like Drunk Elephant. I use Drunk Elephant, and my moisturiser from there costs £50, and my serum costs £45. But I’m a grown adult and I pay for my own things.

There is no way most teenage girls and their parents could afford to spend this much money on skincare. And teens/tweens don’t need these type of products for their young skin.

The larger issue here is the influence of TikTok and TikTok marketing. It’s why teens and tweens want these brands. It’s one thing to be interested in skincare at a young age, but another to be almost obsessed with it, and wanting expensive brands which aren’t going to be suitable for your skin, and which your parents are going to have to fork out for. I also have no idea if there are fake Drunk Elephant products about, but it wouldn’t surprise me if there are, which then could present a risk to people seeking a cheaper way to have the brand and to show it off to their friends/social media.

I will say that Byoma seems like a better teen/tween alternative to Drunk Elephant, as it’s a lot cheaper, and seems to have more products suitable for younger skin.