I use Caudalie products. Not drugstore inexpensive, but not as expensive as the one you mentioned. Caudalie is a French product, so I trust it more than U.S. products due to stringent French laws about pesticides, etc.

Caudalie

No one would call me low maintenance, but I wash my face with Noxzema and use a dot of Neutrogena Hydroboost.

PS that Loreal product is very highly rated on the Big River, but note this review:

This gives immediate, soft, healthy-looking tint to my face. I've used it for months and really like it. But be careful - the tint is really a dye and will stain clothes.

The Lancome has a very slight rosy tint as well. I'll have to see if it stains!

I hadn't heard of Caudalie but will investigate. I've also not used many Loreal products but am certainly open to alternatives.

My BFF from high school looks amazing and when I asked, she said she uses Tatcha moisturizer. So of course I immediately bought some. I don’t know that it “brightens” my skin, but it is very moisturizing. Or it was until this week…now there is no hope, it is January and 20 degrees and I am suddenly an old hag.

Ida, I posted the L’oreal product but I’m not recommending it personally. I have no knowledge of it. Products by the brand which I have used have been much too scented for me in the past.

Sue, which Tatcha moisturizer did you try? I am wondering because I have their silk moisturizer and i really like it. In fact, it lasts me the whole day. Today I grabbed something else and noticed that at noon my skin was parched.

Local, I use one for day and one for night. A bit pricey but a little goes a long way. I have had the same jar since July.

I saw a friend recently who looked facially transformed since I last saw here. What's the deal? Jones Road Miracle Balm! Yes, the stuff that I get 100 ads for on YouTube that seems like a complete scam. She looked lovely. I thought about getting it but I run everything through EWG database and it had too many hazardous chemicals for my preferences.

I’ve been using the Smart line from Clinique and happy with it. Price wise, its in the middle.

Honestly, I’m manifesting a light facelift and going pewter gray at the same time in the future.

I'm using Colleen Rothschild products at the moment. I purchased a starter kit type thing around Thanksgiving with small amounts of many different products. My skin looks much better (I think) as a result. Unfortunately, all the products have started to run out at differing times, and it seems that the combination is what works best as there have been diminished results each time one of the products is used up. The stuff I chose for the initial kit is all what I consider pricey. To use the top products I like in the am and pm would be about $250 a month. I'm now looking at The Ordinary and similar sites to see if I can duplicate the results at a lower price. My favorite CR product is a cleansing balm for nighttime that is just fantastic and smells heavenly. But---all it does is clean my face, and just about any cleanser works for that. So, no help here...shrug.

I have the Jones Road miracle balm and I will say that I do look more ”glowy” when I use it, but it is weirdly sticky. It didn’t bother me when I had short hair but with my hair longer…sometimes random hairs end up sticking to my cheek?!?

I am having trouble finding a good blush that doesn’t disappear in 5 minutes.

Try Westman Atelier for blush. I’m really happy woth it

Spanish: the ”baby cheeks” one?

I use a variety of brands, but am never without a retinol, a serum, and a good moisturizer (one heavier at night than the one for day). I use Neutrogena Hydroboost (or something with glycerin) for cleansing. It’s cheap and good. I like a variety of Kiehl’s products, esp a night moisturizer and eye cream and they don’t break the bank. I’ve used one good Skinceuticals product (CE Fereulic) for years and it is pricey but i do think it works. I’ve also used Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched face base as a day moisturizer for many years. It is also reasonably priced.

I just read this article today regarding ingredients that actually work. it’s one of the best summaries I’ve read in a while. Here is an excerpt and it is long. No specific products are mentioned.

‘Beyond these basics are active ingredients targeting specific skin concerns, including dullness, uneven texture and signs of ageing.

Deciphering claims about these ingredients can be tricky. “Every year, there are at least three more ‘miracles’ on the market,” says Fu’s colleague and fellow chemist Gloria Wu. However, in their book, Skincare Decoded, they focus on the “big 4” – ingredients with the strongest evidence to back up marketing claims. These are retinoids, vitamin C, niacinamide and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).

Whereas ingredients such as hyaluronic acid temporarily plump and smooth the skin, some of the big 4 may have longer-term health benefits. “Retinoids, for example, stimulate collagen production and encourage cellular turnover, which can improve skin resilience, while vitamin C protects the skin from oxidative damage due to environmental stressors like UV exposure and pollution, thus supporting long-term skin health and reducing future damage,” says Anjali Mahto, author of The Skincare Bible and a consultant dermatologist at Self London, a private clinic.

Retinoids include a form of vitamin A called all-trans retinoic acid (tretinoin), which is a prescription-only medicine. This is the only cosmetic ingredient for which claims of reductions in wrinkles, sallowness and hyperpigmentation are supported by evidence from randomised clinical trials, the gold standard approach for medical matters, rather than lab-based studies or small, poorly controlled trials. However, tretinoin takes three to six months of regular use to work and can cause skin peeling and irritation, so isn’t suitable for everyone. Gentler alternatives include retinal and retinol, which are converted into retinoic acid in the skin and tend to be less irritating.

Vitamin C also has variants, but most clinical studies have looked at the standard form, L-ascorbic acid. Not only does it neutralise damaging free radical molecules, including ROS, it has also been shown to reduce uneven pigmentation, brightening the skin. L-ascorbic acid is unstable in water, light and air, so products containing it should be kept in a dark cupboard and not stored for too long. It may also irritate sensitive skin, making vitamin C derivatives such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate or ascorbyl glucoside a better option for some.

Then there is niacinamide. Like vitamin C, it has brightening properties and may help to regulate oil production. It may also strengthen the skin’s ability to act as a barrier, reduce inflammation and improve our outer layer’s natural defences over time, says Mahto. However, the evidence for these benefits is weaker than that for vitamin C or retinoic acid.

The final class of ingredient in Fu and Wu’s “big 4” are AHAs. These acids don’t necessarily improve skin health, but by increasing the rate of skin turnover and shedding, they may improve its appearance. “The rate at which these dead cells shed can really slow down with age, and when AHAs have been clinically tested at higher levels, they’ve been found to diminish the looks of fine lines and pigmentation,” says Wu.‘

Yes! The stick Nordstrom has it

I’m a huge fan of Skinceuticals and have used their products for years. I like their Emollience for morning and Advanced Repair for evening. I recently bought some Vitamin C serum on Amazon from Korea. Much less money and seems to be working.

All ROC skin products are amazing…do the quiz online..it tells you what to use am and pm….

I have spared no expense trying products for age spots. None worked at all.

I'm now onto trying to cover them and be trying a Drmtly product when it arrives. It has moisturizer and SPF.

Ida, it is worth it if you see a desired result that makes you feel good!

I agree exploiting less-expensive products.

For my dry skin, I have been using Q10 anti wrinkle for years.

I also use Westman Atelier's Baby Cheeks Blush (Petal) and really like it. I also use their bronzer. I am not particularly dry and found an inexpensive Cica cream that does the trick and causes no harm. I mix it with my Tretinoin cream 2x week. (Working up to nightly).

I've also started Skinceuticals C+e in the am and so far I've not noticed much difference in my skin. Will give it time.

Love Caudalie products and use this. I have no idea what it does but love the smell and the refreshing spray. A little luxury.

Ida, I think if you love the Lancome, you should splurge on it. I know it’s pricey, but you love it, and don’t spend a lot on other products. I think it works out even. :)

I’m not one to spend a lot on myself, my skincare routine is quite simple, but in the past have spent too much on experimenting (due to prices) with this product and that product and the other product, etc, instead of just investing it into the one I really like.

At some point, it may not bring the same results, and then you could look for another.

You work so hard and should indulge in some self-care. ❤️

(My go-tos are The Ordinary and Neutrogena — cleanser, one serum at night, sunscreen with Vit C for daytime — my splurge-to-me is M-61 Power Glow Peel. I love that stuff.)

I am leary of anything with so many ingredients. Beautypedia has a Skin Care Ingredient Checker which you can view "all, best to worst, worst to best, benefits, and function. Here is your product broken down. (Paula's Choice owns Beautypedia, but I have not tried their products. Beautypedia used to have reviews and comparisons, but stopped that several years ago.)

Some Vit C products don't contain pure Vit C (L-ascorbic acid). CeraVe has at least two with the purist/active Vit C, and their packaging shows the percentage on the product. 5% under eye, 10% face serum. This is what I am using.

I fell down the rabbit hole on YT after wanting new brushes. Went with BK (link), and I really like them. The owner has a YT channel (link), and I ordered new makeup after watching numerous posts. She is upfront about sponsored products, provides links to everything. I also learned tips, do's and don'ts watching some of her videos. She provides the color she uses also.

Blush - I ordered a blush stick from Jane Iredale (bronzer, blush and pressed foundation) (link). I've found a little goes a long way. Videos seems to use way too much for me. I like the natural look of these three products.

FYI - leaning towards being anemic and genetic, I am starting to get under eye circles. Discovered DRMTLGY Luminous Eye Corrector (link) via the BK lady's YT. Also very happy with this product.

Moisturizers and eye creams are from Naked & Thriving. ETA: Also face oil.

Allison, I’m getting undereye issues, too, thanks for the link! Your skincare advice always works for me. :)

I use that same DRMTLGY eye corrector Allison, as well as their Universal Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46. Love both products although the tinted moisturizer goes over my regular am moisturizer— it’s not enough by itself.

I wondered about that, KSWL. One reason I did not order.

You're welcome, Jilly.

I consider myself high-maintenance when it comes to my beauty routine. It just is what it is.

I use La Mer's Creme de la mer, The Concentrate, The Renewal Oil, The Hydrating Emulsion-which is ridiculously priced but I am hooked and nothing I've used compares for my face, so...

EXCEPTIONS:

On my neck I use ROC Crepe Repair and I swear it's made a difference in my neck's texture-not neck sagginess per se, but it has helped my neck really appear smoother. I researched this at the time and really love it!

https://www.rocskincare.com/products/multi-correxion-crepe-repair-face-neck-cream?variant=39278149828701&currency=USD&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&utm_term=&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD-UkZrleM9MjIsLZSA41iExUc-KU&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4fi7BhC5ARIsAEV1YibolmazOk68HL39JSpw_vs4lQ9c68Sq9BbNuwkHAltidxTMM-6p6IQaAoYREALw_wcB

For my upper lids (mind you, I have had an upper blepharoplasty) I use:

https://www.ulta.com/p/essential-fx-acyl-glutathione-eyelid-lift-serum-xlsImpprod18931468?sku=2532642

And, for under my eyes, I use Estee Lauder Night Repair Concentrate. La Mer was bought by Estee Lauder and what I like most is it looks like Estee Lauder adopted the applicator-like La Mer has on some of their products-and it's just easy and it does the job and it "feels like the La Mer serum for under the eyes) but I don't have problems under my eyes-so there is that.

https://www.ulta.com/p/advanced-night-repair-eye-serum-concentrate-matrix-pimprod2025332?sku=2583106

I use the La Mer products et al on my face every other night-and Tretinoin Cream 0.05% on the other nights.

PS to my earlier post, re: skin brightening — I saw a video on IG, the woman swears by ice dunks/cold plunges every morning. If I work up the courage to try it, I’ll report back. Her skin is lovely. And it’s free. :D

Ollie Jane I used La Mer and Augustinus Bader for years and have switched to all ROC skincare..have seen a huge difference in my pores and overall fine lines in just 4 months use! My dear friend in California made me take the plunge into ROC….so glad I did…the Vit. C serum has made a big difference in the brightness and even skin tone…agree the crepe repair is amazing…they are free of fragrance..…so I do miss a clean smell but much better without added fragrance for my sensitive skin…for once a week exfoliating I use DRMTLGY microdermabrasion scrub and for overnigt lip care I use MARE’E….and makeup remover Saturday Skin balm and everyday SPF that is in the ROC daily moisturizer. I have saved so much $$$$.

Jilly I have been wanting to try the ice dunks too!

Home, I am not against trying those and saving money for sure, and I may really try when I run out of each one! Good to know! Thanks!

For anyone like me with rosacea , Caudalie products really irritated my skin.

Jilly, is ice dunk whole-body cold plunge? Not for me! But when I get up, I do splash cold water on my face, the colder the better (this morning the water was really cold, it’s 15° outside!). I don’t know if it does anything for my skin, but it sure does feel good and refreshing.

I’m pretty low-maintenance, Pond’s morning and nighttime, but I might consider a VitC.. and maybe something for crepe. I’m not sure I believe the crepe lotions work, people who have tried them like them while other reviews don’t seem to support it, but might try it. I definitely need to drink more water throughout the day. I used Lancôme for awhile but it just didn’t feel as good as Pond’s.

I've tried expensive and drugstore and everything in between. My mother at 102 has few wrinkles. Her mother was the same. But let's just say, stress to me can be one of worst aging factors for skin. I've seen a dramatic change for the negative due to family issues. But that's another topic. I need to get back to some self care so I appreciate all the info here! Sometimes I think if creams and serums really worked, then why would so many resort to fillers, etc. But taking care of what you have is not in vain. When you neglect to, it shows. I'd be willing to try a cold plunge - just wondering what it could do to my eyes?!?

Mtn, I love Neutrogena products. I had to look up Lancome's Absolute & the main ingredient is pro-xylane which Lancome created, but it's now found in other products, even Az sells p-xylane. https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Xylane/s?k=Pro+Xylane. I may have to try one from AZ.

Dr. Dray (youtube) is big on Gold Bond face and body creams. She's helped me quite a bit with several skin conditions. I ordered this, and notice the reviews. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5JWKLZG?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

It's been a few months since I've used Retinol, but I do buy ingredients with peptides. This has both and no need to buy other products with peptides either. The next morning I couldn't believe how well it worked.

I am also low maintenance, but I also have skin that is on the oilier side. Even here in dry New Mexico, my skin is very rarely dry. It helps that we do not have forced heat. Garnier has a brightening moisturizer that has been good for me that is spf 30. It did not seem to cause break outs and goes on pretty light. My only complaint with it sometimes when working outside, it gets into my eyes. Now I save that for days when I am not going to be sweating as much. The other moisturizer that I use is not a brightening one, but is Biore Aqua and it has an spf 50. This one does not seem to make it into my eyes and I like the added skin protection. So far I have stayed away from retinol products because the increased risk of sun damage.

Even as low maintenance as I am, I would still consider purchasing the lancome if you truly love it and are confident you would use it. My mother buys a lot of various creams and never sticks with them, so such a purchase for her would be folly. If you can afford it though, I would say go for it, use it and if you still love it, buy another when that jar is finished.

I am no beauty guru, but one tip I've been given: whatever you put on your face, put some on the back of your hands, too! Including sunscreen.

In the last couple years, my face has aged dramatically. I think it’s a combination of weight loss and menopause. But it’s noticeably older. I’ve been researching some and the consensus seems to be the only products that truly can make a difference are SPF, Vitamin C serum, retin-A, and maybe niacinamide. The rest may help, and they may make your skin temporarily look and feel

more moisturized. My skin is so dry, I’d pay almost anything for a truly effective moisturizer that feels good. So, I say, if you like the way it looks and feels, go for it.

I’m reviving this thread to say that I have just used Drmtlgy’s Peptide Night Cream and it is hands down the most wonderfully hydrating, moisturizing face cream I have ever used. My face feels so good I keep touching it to admire. And amazingly it is about $35.

I heard about it on a youtube channel of two dermatologists who recommended it.

I thought I had read this thread last week, but now I see there are a few posts answering my other thread ( about Miracle Balm). So much info here it's mind boggling.

KSWL, your latest post s about Drmtgly sounds fantastic.

I'm very very very low maintenance and lazy.

I've been using LaRoche Posay DoubleRepiar Moisturizer for about 2 years. It seems good but not greasy. I think I look my age, but I think I look fine. I'm 71.

I just remembered another brand that I used to like and thought was better than many- any one use Mario Badescu? When I lived closer to NYC I went a few times to their spa and thought it was really better than most.

Kswl, I think you got lucky. Reviews of Drmtlgy on Trust Pilot are not great.

I used Mario B pimple-drying lotion when I was young! I forget the actual name but it was pink, like calamine lotion. It worked!

I think people.’s skin is so individual there really is no universal product that would suit all types and preferences and expectations. I have very dry and sun damaged skin so what I need is more restorative than correcting, if that makes sense. 🤔 The dermatologists on YT who try all sorts of products and brands seem pretty reliable to me; they don’t endorse products per se, just opine on their own experience with it. They review Skinceuticals, for example, more favorably than Drmtlgy on average but I don’t like the consistency of those products.

(i edited this pretty significantly as I was Xanaxed out for a dental appt when I first wrote it!!)

I take collagen and hyaluronic acid orally (supplements), and I believe they help my skin a lot. Topically, I routinely use The Ordinary's Rosehip Seed Oil, which I love. At night, I use either Good Molecule's Bakuchiol Oil (an alternative to retinol) or plain ol' unrefined coconut oil. I only use SPF if I'm on vacation at a beach.

I occasionally use other products, particularly in the Good Molecules line. Someone here recommended it a while back... I wish I could remember, because I owe you a big thank you! My DS used their acne correction kit, and it made such a difference. His skin looks great.

Feathers I also take hyaluronic acid orally, not just for my skin. I think it’s also true that, like hair care products, some things work for years and at some point dont produce the same results— whether your body just doesn’t react the same way or the formula is changed in some small but definitive ingredient. I have to change my shampoo routine at least once a year to keep getting the best results.

@kswl, I am the same way with hair products. I wanted to change lines and discovered the Blowout Professor (Live Love Locks owner) on YT. Did the hair quiz, watched a few of his product videos and ordered four products: shampoo and conditioner (Redken) , leave-in spray (Pureology), and bonding oil (Oleplex 7). My hair has never been so silky day after day. He has since come out with his own product line, but doesn't push just that one now, which is nice. I have never used hair spray or a blowout/styling product, rarely use dry shampoo and stopped using humidity spray after watching one of his videos. A hair dryer and brushes that work for you are also important.

Allison, I'm always looking for better products for my hair type. I hadn't heard of the Blowout Professor before and see that he has a lot of videos on his YT. Do you have a link to the hair quiz you could share?

Unfortunately, genetics plays a huge part in how our skin looks as we age. An Italian relative has the most beautiful, flawless skin I’ve ever seen. Everyone asks her what she uses. her answer, ”Aquaphor” around her eyes & a hat while walking here in sunny So Cal. She’s in her 70’s, go figure!

Bunny, it's on his website (here) top of the page.

I have been using dermatologica for decades. When I started I could only buy it through a beauty salon. I introduced both of my sisters to the product line and they both stuck with it for decades as well. My oldest sister stopped using it when she died.

I use the skin resurfacing lactic acid cleanser and the dynamic skin recovery spf50 moisturizer. I have the daily microfoliant exfoliator, but only use that about once or twice a week.

They used to carry a tinted moisturizer that I used instead of any type of foundation makeup. Now I use the moisturiser and mix in a bit of foundation makeup if I am doing something special and feel the need to add makeup.

You guys have me thinking. . . Maybe I should add a retinol serum or vitamin syrum or eye treatment or lip treatment, but so far my skin seems to be pretty nice for my age. Looked better than a lot of my classmates at my 45th class reunion and not as good as some others.

It is probably more genetics and what you eat than what you put on your skin other than SPF.

Am getting myself elf halo glow liquid filter. My sister got some for Christmas and I tried hers. I will use it as a foundation - never liked anything too heavy.

It is probably more genetics and what you eat than what you put on your skin other than SPF.

This is definitely the case with me (other than I do not use SPF regularly). I've never used expensive products or had much of a skincare routine. But my diet is very "clean" and my mother and aunts had good skin. This morning at the doctor, the intake nurse told me I don't look my age. (I'm assuming she meant that in a good way! ;-)

I had an elderly neighbor tell me that I hadn't aged a bit since she the last time she saw me. I was 15 the last time I saw her, I am now 63. (Moved into a home in the neighborhood where I grew up. ) (Her daughter babysat my sister and I sometimes when we were little.)

I think she might have had me and my mom confused. I look just like my mom, but I definately don't look like I am 15 anymore.