O/t can anyone recommend (posted on wp too)

I use clinique three step and it. Is. Incredible. It balances my skin - in that, it stops it being too greasy/sensitive/sore/spotty, basically it fixes everything! My friend's mum was high up in Clarins (marketing...maybe...) and my friend said her mum always said that clinique three step was the answer to everything from anti ageing to hyper sensitive skin.

You get a facewash/bar of special soap, moisturising lotion and a toner and the lady at the counter will assess which skin type you are and give you varying concentrations of each product according to your skin. It comes to about £65 for the set, but it easily lasts 3-4 months - with the moisturiser lasting loads longer, I find.

Go to chemist and get tub of Emulsifying Ointment and use it like a wash off cleanser. It is bog cheap (about a fiver for a 500g tub that lasts a year) and WORKS! (I used to have eczema on my face and was given this advice by my lovely GP). It makes skin feel comfortable after washing and clears up dry skin.

Another clinique 3 step user here too! I swear by it! I used to suffer with oily t-zone and dry cheeks, I use the 3step which is brilliant! I also use their face scrub (exfoliator) which is great for a skin refresh!

I tried Clinique and found it really didn't work for me - my skin just got drier. Was I doing it wrong?

I'm sure you weren't - just some things suit some people and some things don't. I swear by it, but I do think skin is a funny thing - you can only get so many recommendations as everyone is different, and what works for you will often be different from what works for your best mate. My mum got me my first Clinique product, as she had used it when she was in her 20s and she had loved it then, although she said that once she got into her 40s it wasn't 'enough' for her skin, not sure what she meant by this and obviously at 20, I knew I would never hit 40 so I didn't bother asking her to elaborate! She now uses Estee Lauder - which I think makes Clinique, anyway.

No Clinique diddnt work for me either- made my skin dry and flaky.

I use Lancome instead- they do a moisturiser called Primordiale Optimum that I love- they do a night cream version but I have never needed that as the day one is thick enough for me. the cleanser is Galateis Douceur is also good. I dont bother with toner but did buy one in the run up to the wedding- think it was called tonique confort? Im basically too lazy to bother with 3 products before bed...

Hi CG , I get pretty dry flaky skin sometimes and I love Liz earle intensive moisture mask . I used it the morning of my wedding . Her serum stuff is great as well .

Well I don't do expensive brand name type things however I do have a bottle of No 7 Heavenly Hydration Moisture Mask which I splurged out and spent nearly a tenner on and I must say it is AMAZING. It says to put it on leave it a while and wash it off but I actually just use it like a normal moisturiser and leave it on and I love the way it has made my skin feel, the difference was noticable really quickly too. The bottle is fascinating too cos its like layers of moussey looking stuff and gel but it comes out as a cream.

I couldn't recommend this enough.

Oh no your joking, I'm surprised to read this as when I recently came out in a painful rash it was this cream that I gave the credit for restoring it to its current glowing status - everyones skins different tho!

Celticgoddess, my MUA told me when I had my trial to do the following:

On the morning of the wedding, straight after showering, moisturise your face with the richest moisturiser you have (can't advise on which one I'm afraid, but I think night creams do tend to be richer). Put on more than you would normally and rub it in just enough so that it disappears but put on enough so that you can still feel it on your skin. Wait for half an hour and then start to have your make-up done (so obviously if you're having a later wedding adjust the times so that you apply moisturiser half an hour before the MUA arrives). This provides a nice soft base to work on. Apparently

I wouldn't use Clinique personally if you have sensitive skin. I have friends who love it, but when I worked in cosmetics I used the Clinique toner to remove nail varnish. I have combination skin but it can be sensitive so I favour the gentler brands. Big fan of Origins, L'Occitane, Clarins, Liz Earle & Eve Lom.

At night time, I'd recommend L'Occitane shea butter put on the dry areas. It's brilliant stuff 100% pure and sorted my eczema out a treat. Lizzie Arden's 8 hour cream is also brilliant to put on at night time but it's a bit whiffy.

Thanks for all your replies ladies, I shall certainly be trying some of your suggestions! X

I second the diprobase as my son's skin comes up lovely and smooth. I use his aqueous cream on my hands now as it was screwing with his skin.

CG - Have you tried any of the Simple products?

I too had to take that, what an awful experience it was, but 100% worth it - althought didn't cure me completely!

I am a big fan on Liz Earle, i will never use anything else on my skin again, its amazing!

x

Just to clarify (heh heh pun intended!) aqueous cream and emulsifying ointment are NOT the same thing. Similar but definitely not exactly the same. I'm a bigger fan of EO.

Whatever works for you. (Off to find Nivea stuff that gives Sange a baby's bum)

I couldnt go on it again, i suffered so much with it, and compared to what my skin was like, i was so pleased with the results. Even though i still get a few stops now and again i'm very happy

I then went onto Dermabrasion which was a whole different experience, i looked like i'd been in a horror movie! But all worth it

x