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So much choice in cosmetic products now

(69 Posts)
Glorianny Mon 27-Mar-23 12:10:44

I don't use that much make up and since Covid I've tended to buy what I need in my local (quite small) Boots. Last week I ventured for the first time for ages into a large Superdrug looking for foundation. I came out with nothing. I wandered around for a bit, dazzled by the array of skincare products and cosmetics. It was all too much for me. How do young women cope? Or are all you older women in there as well? Am I just getting too old. It was so much simpler when there was just Rimmel and Max Factor (which you couldn't afford anyway)..

Bluedaisy Wed 29-Mar-23 13:07:02

Have you been on TRINNY LONDON site? There’s a match 2 me on there that will match you to your perfect colours and the BFF syrum foundation is brilliant and so easy. If you get the colour wrong by any chance you just send it back for a refund.

Keffie12 Wed 29-Mar-23 12:25:59

I don't use the high street for makeup. I buy online. I know what I like. I do tend to use some of the same products.

Though I will look at articles on makeup. If I like the look of something I will buy it. I will happily shop online however do the high street! No

Saggi Wed 29-Mar-23 12:25:06

Never did use make-up…even when a teen. When I look at myself in mirror I always thought I’d like to see me looking back… I don’t think I’ve fared any worse for it!
But I have seen the array of stuff…. think most would be flummoxed by it!

FannyCornforth Wed 29-Mar-23 12:22:11

Callistemon I use UKLash too, for about two years actually.
It does work, as does the brow one, but it takes much longer to see the benefits with the brow one.
I’d get it from QVC for the money back guarantee.
UKLash offer a 100% Money Back Guarantee, but it’s a lie.
I got a brow one with very little serum in it, and they did not offer me anything.
Good product, terrible customer service

Rhinestone Wed 29-Mar-23 12:15:58

I’m from the states but Sephora as well as our drug stores let you return the cosmetics if you are unhappy . I took home several foundations to try , kept the one I liked, and returned the others.

rileydog Wed 29-Mar-23 12:13:01

I use Avon cosmetics. Good quality, reasonably priced and you can buy foundation and skincare samples for 50p. I became a rep and order for a few family and friends. We all love perusing the brochure even if we don’t buy anything! You can order online too.

Ziplok Wed 29-Mar-23 11:58:24

It can certainly be overwhelming. When I decided my makeup needed an overhaul after a good clear out of ancient stuff, I plucked up courage and sought the help of an advisor on the No7 counter in Boots. She was excellent, not at all pushy and advised me well. I bought foundation, blusher, eyeshadow and lipstick and am very pleased with my purchases. Left to my own devices, I’d have been confused and probably come away either with nothing or the wrong shades.
I’m not one who wears it everyday, only if I’m going out for the evening or attending a wedding, so it does tend to sit there and last a good while (hence the need for the overhaul 😅).

sunbar Wed 29-Mar-23 11:58:05

When I was a makeup artist back in the day, I used to tell women that you shouldn't see the makeup on your face. You should only see what it's doing for you. I think that applies even more now for women with a certain amount of accumulated chronology

EmilyHarburn Wed 29-Mar-23 11:55:03

Boots no 7 counters let you book a makeup.
appointment. It is free of charge.
www.boots.com/no7/no7-inspiration-and-advice/no7-book-an-appointment

I take products and then ask them if they have better No 7. You do not have to buy any and they are very helpful and look at making the best of what you already have.

Jaxjacky Mon 27-Mar-23 22:30:54

I don’t wear any, rarely have done, makes life a lot easier.

Georgesgran Mon 27-Mar-23 22:15:06

Same as me Paddyann54 - I think I’d frighten the neighbours if I didn’t have my face on first thing. I love Laura Geller stuff and that IT cc covers absolutely everything.

Glorianny Mon 27-Mar-23 22:09:13

II love L'Occitane stuff. Although I don't spend a lot on make up I have a weakness for expensive perfume. I've used L'Artisan perfumes for years. They are pricey but I love them.

NotSpaghetti Mon 27-Mar-23 22:06:28

MayBee70 - I feel just like you to be honest.

Who is this woman in the mirror?

I have an "important" wedding this year and since I've probably not worn any makeup since the last "important" wedding (years ago) I know the makeup situation will be another minor irritation (once I've found an outfit that fits of course).

Callistemon21 Mon 27-Mar-23 21:52:57

UK lash will make your lashes grow

Ooh, will investigate that too.

I don't know why they've become so thin and sparse. My hair is thick, so are my eyebrows (unless tamed). 🤞

paddyann54 Mon 27-Mar-23 21:47:59

I love my makeup I have a few brands I use regularly.
Liquid foundation I like IT cc cream or Bare Minerals stick makeup.its like panstick
.I use Bare minerals powder over a primer or Laura Geller baked cream foundation if I'm in a rush and want something thats just a brush over with one product .
UK lash will make your lashes grow, a tube will last months and it works great
I dont even put the bins out without my face on ,I've been like this all my life ,since I was about 14

Deedaa Mon 27-Mar-23 21:47:36

My two extravagances are L'Occitane shower gel and shampoo bar. Both expensive but I find they last for ages. My moisturiser and body lotion come from Aldi. The body lotion smells exactly like a very expensive White Stuff one. If I'm going out I use Aldi's tinted BB lotion which I find really good. DS's ex is camping with us while she searches for somewhere to rent and the variety of stuff she has for hair, face and body is mind boggling.

M0nica Mon 27-Mar-23 21:31:51

The question is do you need to change the products you use?

Neither DD nor DGD, my guides on these matters have seen any reason to recommend that I change my beauty routines or my make-up, so I haven't. Moisteriser and a teardrop sized drop of foundation are my basics. then blusher and eye make-up, However I use a lot of moisteriser, massage it gently into my face for several minutes and then have a wooden roller, which I use to massage my face as well. In the evening I remove my make-up with theatrical make-up remover and a toning lotion and then a small dab of a night cream, massaged well in. Most of my skin products come from a supplier of organic skin care products in Cornwall.

Most of the time, moisteriser, blusher and mascara are all the make up I use.

Callistemon21 Mon 27-Mar-23 20:02:31

dahlia

In "The Times" beauty page a few weeks ago, the writer (who often recommends cheap and cheerful brands, not just expensive potions) recommended Rapidlash Eyelash Enhancing Serum, sold in Boots.com for £40.00 A bit dear, and I haven't tried it myself, but it might be worth a try, Callistemon21.

Thanks dahlia, I'll take a look

Although, having had an unfortunate encounter with a Boots facial serum, I'm a bit wary of spending £40 on something which might give me a reaction.

I'll see if they have samples

MayBee70 Mon 27-Mar-23 19:47:17

I hardly wore make up through the pandemic but when I recently put on the make up that I used to use I looked awful. I realised that it’s because the skin on my eyelids has drooped and my eyelashes are almost non existent. And my grey eyebrows seem to have moved to another part of my face so when I put eyebrow powder on I look a bit Picasso like with them now floating around from where they used to be. And although I wear high factor face protection my skin is covered in wrinkles. It’s all a bit depressing as, although it’s obviously happened over three years I feel as though it has happened all of a sudden.

Wyllow3 Mon 27-Mar-23 19:25:39

I don't wear make up, I never had since being a teenager, but do like to do the best I can for skin without too much bother. I learnt how to look after skin by having a few facials and working the process out - cleanse (including sometimes microdermabrasion), tone, serum, moisturise, SP factor, special eye cream.

but have moved on skin care wise a bit: added a serum under moisturiser is a ++

but doesn't need to be expensive - on Amazon for example The INKEY List 2% Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum to Plump and Smooth Skin for All Skin Types is £6.29.
Also finding the right product for around your eyes.

Eyelashes - you can have them dyed for special occasions, its not expensive

Nivea was mentioned above. They used to use so much perfume it was a complete no no but recently I was given some night cream and it was OK, they have changed the formula.

My favourite find over the last 3 years that I've stuck to is M n S Formula extra rich anti ageing night cream. I use it in the day too and put the SPF product on top.

dahlia Mon 27-Mar-23 19:12:07

In "The Times" beauty page a few weeks ago, the writer (who often recommends cheap and cheerful brands, not just expensive potions) recommended Rapidlash Eyelash Enhancing Serum, sold in Boots.com for £40.00 A bit dear, and I haven't tried it myself, but it might be worth a try, Callistemon21.

Casdon Mon 27-Mar-23 18:58:41

I always use Estée Lauder, they have an excellent range for my skin, I have for many years. I wait until there’s an offer with free samples if you spend over a certain amount, buy the things I know I like and will use, and I also then I get to try the samples of new products for free. It’s not cheap, but because I use it all up, I don’t feel wasteful.

CanadianGran Mon 27-Mar-23 18:56:09

There are so many because it is a very lucrative business! Have you been into a Sephora? So many brands, it can indeed be overwhelming. They tend not to carry the 'drugstore' brands, but opt for more expensive items. Nothing wrong with the drug store brands, I say!

Most cosmetics departments have beauty advisors, so next time you are in, just have a chat with one of the sales advisors, and they should be able to assist. Makeup and skincare does not need to be terribly expensive, and it can feel like a treat.

Instead of traditional foundation, which I always found too heavy, I use a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen. They can be found at all price points. the brand I use is Canadian, so most likely not available to you, Boots should have No.7, which has a version, at a reasonable cost.

SueDonim Mon 27-Mar-23 18:53:17

Same here, Eazybee. The three stores that sold the brands I like have all closed and it’s either online or traipse to another city. Annoying.

eazybee Mon 27-Mar-23 18:45:48

There may be a plethora of beauty products to buy, but seeing and testing them is impossible since the department stores have gone. I refuse to buy expensive make-up without seeing it first, so have to wait until I visit a city such as Southampton, Winchester or Chichester if I need eyeshadow or foundation, when the colour and texture is important.