Need help switching skincare brand

[vs1]

Hi there,

I'm hoping I can get some advice. I am aged 35 with sensitive skin (not really sensitive, just normal to sensitive, I'm blonde with fair skin). I tried lots of different beauty counter brands when I was in my twenties and had problems with reactions to several brands. The worst was Clinique which wrecked my skin for several days with only a couple of uses. Someone then mentioned Lancome as apparently it didn't contain some of the agressive fruit acids/chemicals etc. of the other brands. I switched onto Lancome and have used it for years with no problems at all. Now I'm well into my thirties I am thinking perhaps I should start using a more expensive salon quality brand with more anti-ageing properties. My salary has gone up quite a bit since I first bought Lancome but I know spending more money doesn't always mean getting a better product. I'm also sure my skin is more settled than it was in my twenties but I'm terrified of changing brand and having a bad reaction again. I go for facials occasionally but when I ask the experts for advice about changing brand they understandably push their own brand and I don't feel I get an honest opinion about what's best for my skin. (Let's be honest the Clinique people told me their stuff was suitable for sensitive skin!!). I have no idea how to choose or which expensive brands I should avoid. Should I stick with Lancome and go for one of their anti-ageing offerings? Or maybe go for Elemis/Gatineau/Decleor? Will I see a difference paying salon prices rather than high street? Help! I'm so confused.

Thanks for reading,

Vicky
x

 

[Bingfairy]

Hi Vicky

To be honest it is personal preference and a bit of trial and error, which i know isnt the most helpful of answers. I find Dermalogica have a great range especially for sensitised skin and they even have their great skin mapping service, to be honest is usually the brand i go for. Also Elemis have a nice range esp their chamomile cleanser and apricot toner they feel a little more luxurious on the skin but i think thats more to do with the smell, however i think its a little more expensive.

don't be frightend to ask for samples!!!!!!

hope you find somthing which suits you.

xxxxx

 

[Lynne Baker]

You might want to consider going to a salon which specialises in skin and having your skin assessed and analysed by a professional who can advise you on which products would suit your skin type and condition.
Reputable salons will offer a free consultation, and should offer a money back guarantee on products.

 

[weezie]

You will get a product pushed onto you at a sales counter at a department store as that's what the staff are- salespeople. In a salon the owner will have spent time and a great deal of money investing in a range they believe in and as Lynne says they are more likely to refund you or offer you an alternative if the product doesn't suit your skin.

Salons do not push their ranges in a biased way they promote skincare they really believe in as they rely on customer satisfaction and return business and they are going to be the one facing your criticisms, if you have any, as opposed to a department store counter where the staff rotate quickly and have probably little to no ingredient knowledge or knowledge of the structure of the skin.

I would trust my therapist who has analyzed and touched my skin rather than a sales person who works for a faceless corporation who wants to keep their sales figures up.

Also if you look around salon prices are actually comparable or cheaper than beauty counter brands.

Good luck.

P.s fruit acids aren't the enemy and nearly everything is made of chemicals, even you! and some "natural chemicals" are worse than synthetic ones!

 

[vs1]

Thankyou for your replies. I have booked myself into the spa at Whittlebury Hall next week for a skin consultation and facial. Hopefully I can get some good advice and find some nice products to try. It's very confusing and I think you are right to suggest getting some professional advice. I hadn't thought about the angle of salons needing to have great products to ensure repeat business, but of course that's right. Many thanks.

Vicky

 

[BettyBo]

Hey,

I have not tried elemis my self (bar from a facial I had not so long ago) but I know a few people who have used it and think its awsome. However - I think its very expensive.

Have you tried Liz Earle? Most of the products include natural products which are very healthy for the skin. Its not as expensive as Elemis and probably just as good! She has an offer on at the moment....cleanse, tone and moisurise and a free eye product all for £41! Go on to her website though not QVC.

If you find your skin gets dry at times she also sells an oil which you can put on twice a week - on its own or under the moisuriser. Its not greasy either!

Hope this helps.:lol:

Aimz