Feel a mess - skin, hair etc......

missm29

hello i've not read all the replies but i agree that simple products are not very simple and irritated me. I've noticed a real difference when using liz earls products and now i rarely try anything else unless its a freebie. I'm also using the liz earl shampoo and conditioner at first i wasnt sure- am a big fan of redken and loreal, but its stopped my itchy head and my hair doesnt get as greasy. I also think bare minerals has calmed my skin, got the starter kit in debenhams this week for £45 have been using bm for years but not the whole range never knew exactly how to use it. Dont be put off thinking its powder because its very silky and the mineral veil is ideal for shiny skin.

For years i used to spend out on clothes and nothing on hair, skin and makeup, its now the other way round i'm taking good care of my hair and skin and feel better that my clothes dont bother me much comfort all the way.

prudencekitten

Reading through this thread I thought I would put in a word for Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish (available from QVC, John Lewis and her own website) and for Bare Escentuals mineral powders (recommended by plastic surgeons apparently as so gentle on sensitive skin). I have used both myself in the past with good results though I am fortunate enough not to have a problem skin. When I got to the end of the thread I found Missm29 had been thinking along the same lines.

Both products are what I would class as middle of the road price-wise so no big investment.

adelight

If you feel washed out try 17 blusher in "brickie". I was recommended this as it makes a good natural looking bronzer for winter with a rosy glow.

Lush do a fresh face mask, cupcake, which is good for combination skin. Their shampoos contain SLS so be wary. The main ingredient is rhassoul clay which can also be used like a shampoo for people with greasy roots (a little clay dissolved in water and massaged into the roots then rinsed down the lengths of the hair).

hethmar

City girl, why not book a facial with a salon and see what they can do for your skin? I never used to go to salons but about 3 years back after the meno I looked at my orrible big pores and black heads and dry spots and forced myself to go to a salon. I couldnt believe the difference after just one treatment. I try to go about every 6 weeks now and people do compliment me on my skin which if I say myself is as good as anyones 10 years younger. Its a matter of taking out the time to look after your skin - routine really does work.

I stopped using clinique too, I think its a case of blinding us with the expense and name. Ive gone back to using No. 7 anti ageing skin cleanser and Protect and Perfect intense serum plus Loreal Youth code. I also dumped clinique foundation. I saw a photo of me recently and it looked like I had a clay mask on my face! Ive started using No. 7 lift and luminate which is very light indeed.

Once you feel happier about your skin and hair you will be more confident in choosing new clothes - I know I used to dread shopping for clothes but now I quite enjoy it

SRH_2

There are some fantastic responses on this thread, but just a few other thoughts:

1. Mineral foundation could be the answer as others have said. I've tried a few and find the L'Oreal one is better than Bare Minerals even though it's much cheaper. Gives good coverage and lasts the day.

2. I have a sensitive, oily scalp yet dry ends and hammer my hair with dye and straightening irons. I've tried just about every brand of product, including superexpensive salon ones and find good old Tresseme Thermal Recovery the best - keeps my scalp clear while helping calm the frizzy ends.

3. If your scalp is sensitive I'd avoid leave-in conditioner - I find it just irritates and can create dandruff.

4. If you want to use straightening irons, then go ahead and use them! The risk of getting dry ends compared to feeling glum because your hair isn't just the way you want it is worth it! I iron my hair every day as otherwise it is a curly, frizzy mess. I've just resigned myself that to keep split ends at bay I have to get it cut every six weeks and keep it above shoulder length. A small price to pay for nice looking hair!

5. See if a salon near you does a Brazillian blow dry. It's a semi-permanent straightening treatment that leaves your hair smoother and more manageable for a few weeks. I had it done once at a salon and now buy the products to do it myself via sellers on eBay. In salon it's over £100, via eBay it's around £5 a go. Doing it yourself is not quite as good but for that price it's worth it.

6. Definitely worth keeping the face wipes for times when you are too tired to cleanse properly. Just use a good cleanser, an old-fashioned flannel and lots of warm water (in the shower is the best). Any cleanser that rinses off without leaving your skin taut is fine. When my skin is oily I use Clinique Facial Soap, at other times I use Dr Nick Lowe Purifying Foaming Cleanser (which my hubby and mother-in-law use too! It's sometimes on offer in Boots so may save you a bit of money) or Simple Purifying Cleanser (nice and creamy for when my skin is a bit tender - and cheap!).

7. Do you live near a Debenhams? They have in-store shoppers that are completely free. They will have a chat with you, pick out some clothes you may never have thought of trying before and there is no obligation to buy! Even if you just buy one item it might give you an idea of what will suit you so you can go elsewhere to shop for bargains. I also love eBay for trying out new styles. When a dress only costs a fiver it's easy to justify trying something new! And if it looks horrid, just put it back up for sale! I recently made £20 on a dress I bought on eBay, didn't like so put back up for auction.

8. And finally! If you want to add a bit of colour to your wardrobe without spending a fortune, liven up your basics with a scarf or brooch. It's the perfect time of year to wear scarves! Check what colours suit you by having a look at a book like this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/060061395X/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=103612307&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0345345886&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1V2BSP4GDQ3MZJ84Z4GZ

Hope you feel a bit better soon - think it's that time of year when we all feel a bit glum.

BTW - I used to be a beauty journalist, hence my love of trying out every product on the market! And I can tell you, price and label have nothing to do with whether a product it any good!

Citygirl1

Hi, thanks for your all replies, they are most helpful. I am trying to not use wipes as much now. I have bought some Liz Earle muslin cloths and am using these with my Clinique cleanser until it runs out and then I might get some of the cleanse and polish. I am totally out of moisturiser and am debating on whether to get the Liz Earle one, though £17 is more than I usually pay for face cream but I guess its worth it if it lasts a long time.

Regarding my hair, it is very fine and fragile and I am scared myself to use the GHDs on it incase it all breaks off. Would using a light serum help or would this be akin to a leave in conditioner and cause irritation as mentioned above by SRH. Also is the Tresemme range OK for sensitive scalps, my head is very itchy at times?

missm29

Citygirl1 wrote: »

Hi, thanks for your all replies, they are most helpful. I am trying to not use wipes as much now. I have bought some Liz Earle muslin cloths and am using these with my Clinique cleanser until it runs out and then I might get some of the cleanse and polish. I am totally out of moisturiser and am debating on whether to get the Liz Earle one, though £17 is more than I usually pay for face cream but I guess its worth it if it lasts a long time.

Regarding my hair, it is very fine and fragile and I am scared myself to use the GHDs on it incase it all breaks off. Would using a light serum help or would this be akin to a leave in conditioner and cause irritation as mentioned above by SRH. Also is the Tresemme range OK for sensitive scalps, my head is very itchy at times?

Tresemme makes me itch so much and i'm sure that was responsible for the big lumps on my back and scalp, not sure if you could even call them spots. i gave bottles of the stuff away.

hot.chick

it sounds like you have a scalp condition - lots of people put up with irritation thinking there is nothing that can be done.

Bring it up with your doc and see if they recommend anything, mine as great when I went

foreign_correspondent

I dont know if you have tried John Freida Root Awakenings leave in spray, but I picked some up in Asda last week not expecting much, and.. wow! It is brill, it doesnt feel like you have anything (product wise) on your hair, but it makes your hair feel and look really good.... its odd stuff, I can't quite work out what it does, but my hair feels and looks so much better instantly - I have crap hair, but this week two people have commented on how nice my hair looks... (this is unheard of!!)

When I bought it last week the spray was about £4 something, or three items for a tenner - if that deal is still on when I go again, I will get another spray and the shampoo and conditioner too... looking at reviews online though, it looks like most people find the spray is the best item from the range, so even if you dont want to change shampoo etc its probably worth using the spray alone.

ms_london

Hi CityGirl

I would also look at your diet and see if you are getting the nutrients you need? Do you drink a lot of alcohol? Much water?

It is all well and good using make up to try and cover the problem, but usually you need to look at the cure, and it is usually connected to your diet and what is going in to your body, and perhaps you are using current products that are irritating your skin?

Also a good diet and exercise will boost your mood and give you that 'glow' you want that people spend a fortune trying to get from beauty products.

xx