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It sounds like your moisturizer is not sinking into your skin because the whole point of a moisturizer is to lock in moisture.

When you told me your skin feels tight after a shower i automatically think dehydrated skin. SkincareAddiction has a good post on dehydration

What moisturizer do you use?

If I were you id use products with hyaluronic acid, like a serum or toner and then a gel based moisturizer and then at night a layer of moisturizer over that.

I also would take a break from harsh scrubs, cleansers and masks and only use the gentlest products.


Here is what I would recommend (Asian Beauty Skincare Exchange often has decants (aka small samples of products) so you can see and test out what works for you.

To get your skin back and hydrated :

AM:
Rinse skin with water -I don't know your skin type so if you're oily, use a very gentle cleanser (which i can recommend to you if needed)

Toner/Serum Hada Labo Hyaluronic Lotion Moist - many people on the skincare reddits I am active in rave about this product, because its super cheap for the amount you get and its soooo moisturizing. I personally think it is too light for me (I am veryyy dry and dehydrated, stupid midwestern weather lol) and I use the premium version of it. Some people complain about it breaking them out, but everyone's skin is so different. But I think doing a layer of this morning and night will really help.

Moisturizing Gel - this will add moisture and hydration to your skin. My favorites are Hada Labo Plumping Gel Cream and Mizon Snail Cream
You only need a little of these, but I find they are super hydrating and comforting. The Mizon Snail is an all in one miracle.

Sunscreen- pretty important step (in my opinion), some sunscreens have occlusives in it. Occlusives mean it is holding all the moisture in. Sunscreen choice really depends on your skin type (which I am happy to recommend you as well)

PM:

Double Cleanse but gently. First an oil cleanser (to remove makeup) and then a gentle water based one.

Same as morning

Then seal it all in with your moisturizer. I am so dry that I even put vaseline on my face at night and I wake up comfortable and hydrated.

As far as trying out products, if you're in the US, /u/Gothickornchic sells decants on Asian Skincare Exchange. She ships super fast and is so nice, and helpful. you can find her post here

If you don't want to do that, Amazon and most places have great exchange and return policies. Skin is very weird and its all trial and error :[ but i hope my recs help and if you need more recs let me know!

Super oily girl here--so far the best primer I've used is actually not a primer at all, but is fairly miraculous in the difference it makes in controlling oil and creating a good base for makeup. I've tried a TON of different primers, from drugstore to $100/bottle stuff, but this combination is the best for me.

• Step One: The Ordinary's Azelaic Acid. Someone on this sub suggested I use this rather than Salicylic Acid, and I'm so grateful. I've repurchased it five times. It absolutely does control oil, and I think it makes my skin better over time. Now, this formula DOES have silicone, which probably helps with the oil control, and it's an ingredient that I actually really like, but take that as you may.
  
• Step Two: Skin Aqua sun screen. You've likely heard that Japanese sunscreens are different, and they are. This one is particularly good for oily skin, and also good for all skin since you should use sunscreen (especially with an acid). But regardless, there's something about these two ingredients that just makes the whole thing work.
  
  It's important to do the steps in this order--it's an utter mess to switch it up. But I now do this every day I wear makeup, and it's made unwearable foundations work, and made my good foundations look expensive. It's really been the absolute best thing I did for my base makeup.
  
  Again, not technically a primer, but it's what I use in place of primer now. If you're dead set on a specific primer, the best is probably Becca's Ever Mat, but I found it ridiculously tricky to work with. The formula pills easily, but worse, it would sometimes leave white streaks on my face where it didn't sink into my skin. But it DOES dry oily skin out, so there's that.

Hmmm, so I don't have an actual vanity and I am a HUGE scavenger/recycler. I basically use things that I already have and make them work for me. Here are some pics so you can better see the use of boxes and lids for organization.

I also use prescription bottles to hold all brushes, mascaras, etc. because I have A TON laying around. For the extremely brief period of time that I used a beauty sponge, I kept it in a prescription bottle cap or a metal cap from a fancy juice bottle.

The 2 boxes I've repurposed to store different make up items. One was a large mascara sampler box that is sturdy and has a nice magnetic closure so I decorated it using packaging to make a collage.

If you're not looking to buy anything new for storage/organization I highly recommend thinking creatively! Perhaps lids from jars (I use the cookie tin as a trash can and the lid as a mixing palette), shoeboxes could work, or with the upcoming holidays any boxes you may receive. Do you have baskets laying around or glasses/bakeware that are unused?

Not everyone wishes to go my route when it comes to organization so there are specific organizers like this one from Amazon and many you can find at TJ Maxx/Marshall's/Home Goods that are inexpensive. Always remember at those stores, things can be turned into storage or organizers! Particularly kitchen items like spice displays/racks or fridge organizers.

And depending on how you'd like to store your nail polish, wall displays are also nice and somewhat space saving. Here is an example from Amazon, but I believe Ikea and other stores have single shelves that you can purchase for much less and just install multiples of.

I love make up storage and organization (despite my set up being pretty wonky) so I apologize for the huge essay!!

If you have an invasive skincare routine (AKA more than moisturizer and maybe a micellar water, you're inevitably making your skin more sensitive, and it needs SPF.

Even when it’s cloudy, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV radiation reaches the earth, and it's SPF's job to prevent sun damage, not just to prevent sunburns, but the long term effects sun exposure on your skin. Aging, sun spots, rashes, discoloration, and exposure damage (sun and possibly blue screen light, though it's yet to be entirely proven it's something to be concerned about, better safe than sorry!), and if you weaken your skin from skincare things like acids, serums, and essences. It's important to sunscreen all exposed skin, especially if you work in front of a window, drive a lot, go for a ten minute walk, ect. I always put on sunscreen, personally, regardless of what I'm doing, and i do it on my hands, chest, neck, and face, minimally. Your moisturizer and foundation aren't going to be an enough of a concentrated even layer to properly protect you, nor the rest of your body. I highly recommend AT LEAST 30 SPF. SPF 30 keeps out 97 percent and SPF 50 keeps out 98 percent of UVB rays.

I use asian sunscreens on my face, and right now i'm using this on my face, and this on the rest of my body. The facial sunscreen has been working well, not even my nose has gotten sun touched this summer, and I find it isn't really dewy or matte, so it doesn't effect my base layer. (I have dry skin for reference). Whatever you decide to use I recommend avoiding non-facial sunscreens, and ones with high zinc levels (since they are typically prone to making makeup break up and causing break outs). Coola also might be worth looking into, since they make a variety of sunscreens for various skin types, though it is a wee bit more expensive. Both last a really long time, so it's not a seriously heavy cost investment, but so worth it. I hope you come around to appreciate a good sunscreen!

https://www.dermasence.de/produkte/p/solvinea-med-lsf-50-plus

That's the one I currently use and like very much. It's the most elegant Western sunscreen I've found so far, and does not leave a white cast on my skin. Plus it has a boatload of filters (6!). And tube is a pretty generous 150ml, retailing for ca. 20€. This is a great all-over sunscreen for the summer because it is not at all gross and greasy. Survives 5-10km runs in the evening no problem.

The Japanese SS I've been happiest with is the Skin Aqua Sarafit Essence (https://www.amazon.com/Rohto-SARAFIT-Essence-SPF50-JAPAN/dp/B01BM1UQS6) It is less greasy and heavy than the white bottle-UV moisture gel and only needs a light dusting of powder to completely set. It plays well with most foundations and susncreens and is completely invisible. Also, cheap - 80ml for 5-8$ on Amazon :) I use this as my winter sunscreen because there is no sweat and less chance to tan anyway.

Both are fragrance free if that's important to you. The Skin Aqua is not alcohol denat free, thought I think the Dermasence is.

Oh I love getting this question haha, I've been fine-tuning for years.

Night: After applying my Retin-A (the main reason my skin is so dry in the first place) I slather on rosehip seed oil since it's really hydrating, generally doesn't break people out, and soaks in really well, then I use the Ordinary's Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (especially in the winter), and then I use the Cerave lotion that advertises HA and Ceramides on the bottle, and I top it with Aquaphor or Vaseline or whatever I have of that nature on my driest spots.

Day: Acne-actives (BP, tea tree, the works), the same cerave lotion (or the HA if it's a particularly rough day), and I use this sunscreen. I really love this sunscreen because it's not drying or greasy and has a great finish.

The biggest things are honestly the HA and the rosehip oil though. I love that stuff. I also just started using Cosrx's snail mucin essence and when I woke up today my skin was crazy dewy but I haven't used it long enough to safely recommend it yet.

So many Japanese creams are like this!!

Hado lado has one on Amazon for $14 Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel Cream 1.76 FL OZ - with Super Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen - 24 Hour Moisture & Visible Line Plumping fragrance and paraben free non-comedogenic (Packaging May Vary) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I4BUBN8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_JRhwCbT088CAF


I like the laneiege one too but it's about $40.


MANY Japanese and Korean skin care lines carry a water cream, water gel. Most of them are affordable and amazing for oily skin. I also prefer them since they are less scented :)

I like the real techniques fine liner brush

It has synthetic bristles like a normal brush but is super tiny so I get the best line with gels, I honestly swear by it.

No pictures because I'm not home, but I have 3 of these little, stackable sterlite containers, 3 large z-palettes, one of these acrylic organizers that fits nicely onto of the sterilite drawers, & a brush bag to hold my brushes that I rarely use but can't seem to part with. Any pressed powder that I could de-pot & place in the z-palette, I did, which really help towards space saving. I also have done multiple de-clutters over the past year, in order to get rid of colors that were too similar or products that I didn't really like/use. I managed to get my collection down to fit everything in these storage containers, including my brushes/tools that I use daily. Everything except my brush bag fits on 1 shelf in my bathroom cabinet (I have built in set up just like this), & I place the bag in a drawer that has a bunch of necessary, but rarely used things, so it's accessible, but out of the way. I share a house with my cousin, so I have a 1 shelf/2 drawer limit with no counter space to speak of. If I can't fit my stuff neatly into my designated space, I have to get rid of things. Unfortunately, I don't have a proper vanity; I have 7 dogs & their beds/crates take up all the spare space (& then some) in my bedroom. It's a sacrifice I'm more than happy to make.

not a chapstick exactly and you might have to order it online, but the Aritaum Ginger Sugar lip mask is really nice. I usually use a sugar/scrub of some kind (you can make your own or lots of brands have them, lots of people like Lush and the ELF lip exfoliators are really cheap and work well, too). then I throw some of this mask on and wake up to soft, non-chapped lips. for day to day balms, I use glossier balm dot com or Epically Epic lip balms (she uses vegan ingredients and has so many nice "flavours" and scents! I love the balms, they are so moisturizing and fun).

I think I bought my lip mask from roseroseshop's eBay and it was cheaper than Amazon.

I use Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen. I should honestly just set up an Amazon subscription at this rate - definitely HG status. It sinks in so well without feeling greasy! Asian sunscreens are the best in the game imo.

What acrylic organizers do you guys use?

[This style](Ikee Design Acrylic Jewelry & Cosmetic Storage Display Boxes Two Pieces Set. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DUJEWDE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.7xzxbZ3VMG4M) is prevalent, but I'm looking for one with sleeker handles/openings (something not as ornamental, just a simple shape like the MUJI openings or a spherical knob). Bonus points if the organizer is about 9.5 inches long and not over $30

Only one thing has ever gotten my beauty blenders and various other sponges 100% clean and stain-free: Daiso Puff Sponge Detergent. If you have a Daiso near you, you can pick it up for I think a little cheaper than Amazon, but it’s like $12 for 3 bottles anyway, and they last forever.

Ask away! I use this lamp in this model. Every doctor at my psych clinic has this one on their desk to show patients as it's the one they recommend. I also have one of the mini models that I sort of just use for reading but I figured it couldn't hurt to get another one.

So I actually have bipolar disorder and am medicated and attend therapy regularly, so YMMV depending on your other treatments but I'll describe my experience anyway:

Excluding the periods of absolute total bottom, I very much felt like the lamp was helpful, but didn't realize it while I was in it. At first it was kind of like, ok, I'm using it now, why am I still sad this thing sucks. Then I realized when I used it in the morning I was able to put on two matching socks and other seemingly menial tasks that are out of the realm of possibility for someone with major depression.

If anything, it at least wakes you up in the morning and helps regulate your circadian rhythm, if you can find the will to roll out of bed and flip it on. Takes some of the misery out of being awake when it's cold and dark and shitty.

This got SO long but let me know if you have any other questions, I'm happy to help. Oh also if you're manic-depressive talk to your pdoc about this first before you start on an I LOVE LAMP wild ride.

I recently bought Hemp Oil to try out. Usually I use "proper" balm or oil cleanser's which emulsify but after seeing posts like this I was like fuck it lets go then.
So far so good, wipes off cleanly, doesn't clog (has a condomogenic rating of 0) and no new breakouts. I will probably go back to an oil cleanser and plan on using the Hada Labo Oil Cleanser. I also love the Clinique Take The Day Off Balm and it's sort of "budget" alternative, Banila Co Balm range

I highly recommend using a lanolin-based nipple cream ( I use Lansinoh) at night - it is unparalleled in terms of adding moisture to your lips, moisture retention throughout the night and healing sores and cracked bits, etc. I also use the Jack Black lip balms with SPF during the day mostly because I don't want to carry around a tube of nipple cream to reapply after eating, lol. Any lanolin-based lipbalm would do, tho!

haha bad timing :)

good thing it's super cheap though!

Close..this is the one similar to what I have, but I am sure that one would work as well.
https://www.amazon.com/Hair-Art-HairArt-Brush-Cleaner/dp/B0041TF5YW

I have them for MAC and some of the first gen colourpop lippie stix.

These are the MAC ones I bought. I really like this seller, I have a ton of their organizers for my makeup.

Here are all their clear lipstick caps and matching brands (Bobbi Brown, ColourPop, NYX, YSL, Clinique)

I'm a nibbler. I've been wearing the ginger sugar lip mask when I feel I'm likely to nervous chew, and it's thick enough to keep me in check. It also doesn't budge if I leave it alone, and works well with a bit of lip stick/liner as a tinted balm. (It's also pretty good at helping me avoid peelies when I use it for the intended purpose, especially if I remember to wait until after I hydrate/moisturize so it can really lock that stuff in)

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/Hair-Art-HairArt-Brush-Cleaner/dp/B0041TF5YW

---

^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

Does anyone have a rec for a brush roll/case? I don't have a ton of brushes or anything, so nothing huge or crazy, but my main concern is holding a few of my larger brushes such as my RT powder brush and Morphe E41. One I'm looking at is this. I like this design or something similar if anyone has any recommendations!

There's still one left on Amazon :) http://www.amazon.com/REVLON-Colorburst-Butter-0-09-Ounce/dp/B006GQCMJO

I am using this Ikea MICKE desk until I find a nice mid-century desk that fits my bedroom.

The drawers are full of palettes, powders, liners, and everything except lipstick. I keep my lipstick collection (400+ lipsticks) displayed on two of these nail polish racks, which I keep hung on the wall behind my door.

I recently got a new tiered display for my little perfume collection, so they're on my vanity like this.

Monthly: Shampoo using this Daiso cleaner OR OxiClean + Eco Friendly Costco Laundry detergent (the formula doesn't make my face itch)

Between individual uses: Spritz any kind of spray-on antibacterial brush sanitizer a few times onto a half sheet of paper towel, then swirl the brush in the moist part of the towel

Thank you! Just a simple eyeliner brush. Specifically, I got this brush in one of their sets https://www.amazon.com/Real-Techniques-Fine-Liner-Brush/dp/B007O7AZ3O

You should try out the Heroine Make Long and Curl, I bought it a couple of years ago and it's now the only mascara I use. This sucker will not budge - which makes taking it off kind of a pain haha but it is so worth it not to worry about smudging any more. It also holds a curl quite nicely.

The Face Shop Cleansing Oil

Ulta stopped carrying the Burt's Bees cleansing oil, so I was looking for a replacement. I like the Face Shop one. It's cheaper and doesn't leave a residue or film after activating it with water. It also leaves your face feeling silky.

Walmart carries these microfiber washcloths for $3. Amazon also has them for $4. A microfiber cloth works great but not worth the makeup eraser price. These are the same thing just smaller which I prefer. The makeup eraser is also intended to use multiple times in between washes which seems unsanitary to me particularly for my face.

Amazon reviews all say it's made of plastic.

Not the OP, but I have this little dude that I bought last winter, and it's been a game changer- just put it up on some books or something so that it's at face-level with you, rather than below you.

https://www.amazon.com/Heroine-Make-Mascara-Super-Waterproof/dp/B00INJ7TWW/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=kiss+me+mascara&qid=1568423272&sprefix=kiss+me&sr=8-3 This stuff will not budge.

I bought this one. The 3-pack is an add-on item so you need to make a $25 qualifying purchase or buy the pack of 5 for $7.99.

Not OP, but these are the ones I use

I don't think you've wandered too far at all. Here you go.

​

https://www.amazon.com/REVLON-Colorburst-Butter-0-09-Ounce/dp/B006GQCMJO/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=revlon+fig+jam&qid=1556572150&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

A Hada Labo one, although the price has shot up remarkably on Prime. I've never paid more than $12 for it, have gone through I don't know how many bottles of it.

No problem! It's this one, SPF 50 :)

This shit right here changed my makeup storage game! I put all primers, foundations, sunscreen, brow products, cream shadows, sponges, some brushes and lip products, cream chubby stick products, mini perfumes, etc. on this and I love how convenient it is!


For my powders I store them in an empty q-tip rectangle packaging lol it's the perfect size for powder products! I also have this thing but the drawers bug me so I mostly just put samples and things I don't use often into it. I do keep my lipsticks and eyeliners in the top part though. Everything else just lives in the main drawer of my vanity (concealers, single shadows, color correctors, mascara, etc). My palettes are put into a letter organizer which isn't too exciting either

Are you referring to this? I saw it on one of tati's wtf videos.