I probably go through my toner the quickest since I use the same one day and night. I also tend to slather it on.
The “slowest” products would be my set of four “moisturizers” that I sort of put on rotation. And since each product contains 1 oz, I finish them all at around the same times.
I know I’m going to get asked this, but my updated routine is not quite ready to be revealed. I’m still working out the optimal combinations and timing. I’d like to publish it around the same time as the Ideal Routine Page, since my new routine is modelled after it. I want to make sure that my routine is in fact, ideal!
What about you guys? What skin care product do YOU go through the quickest? Slowest? Why?
The Triple Helixian 
This is a *great* topic LOL !
Fastest is easy for me: TNS Recovery Complex. A bottle lasts me 1 to 1.5 months tops, and that’s at one application nightly (half the rate of recommended usage
).
Sunscreens are also up there since I use them every day and liberally, though I tend to rotate through them.
Slowest is a bit more difficult for me, but if I had to guess, it’d probably be Prevage MD and Neova Power Defense (each typically lasts 3 to 4 months for me).
On a tangential note, I noticed a sunscreen convo above, and want to rant and rave about a new HG sunscreen that I’ve found LOL: Jan Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45…LOVE LOVE LOVE this sunscreen ! It contains 8 % ZnO, 6 % TiO2, so it’s a purely physical sunscreen with decent levels of filters, and contains a couple of antioxidants and an anti-irritant amongst its ingredients. It’s also classified as very water-resistant, and it holds up extremely well when I’m working out and even when I’m swimming laps (I reapply afterwards in both cases, but a couple of gyms I go to have large skylights and windows, and for that reason, I actually like my sunscreen to hold up *while* I’m working out or swimming indoors, as well). On the other hand, its tint is very cosmetically elegant, and it wears perfectly under makeup, so it tends to be my ‘go-to’ these days. It’s liquidy, much like Skinceuticals’s Physical Fusion, but the tint is fairer and the texture perhaps slightly more occlusive but overall more moisturizing; another nice thing about it is that I can wear it even when my skin is acting very sensitized with no reaction to it (something in the base of Skinceuticals’s liquid screens can sometimes irritate my skin when it’s acting more dry/sensitive than usual).
But yeah, just wanted to spread the word about that screen ’cause it seems to be my new favorite. I’d say it’s best-suited for dry/sensitive and dry/resistant skintypes. Also, that Josie Maran one you recommended in a previous article (I think it might have been at FutureDerm in the comments) has become my favorite for cool days after I’ve already visited the gym (i e, when I’m no longer planning on perspiring) since it’s so lightweight and fairly moisturizing for a physical screen — thanks for recommending that gem ! ^^,
Posted by Trae | January 12, 2013, 1:33 amIsn’t it annoying how we go through our most expensive products the quickest?! Jeez that TNS product is pricey. Lol!
As for the Jan Marini sunscreen, I’m glad you like it! The ingredients look petty good indeed. I’m just a bit wary about the price (personally). I just can’t see myself spending that much for sunscreen. 😦 But I’ll keep your insightful observations in mind when making recommendations.
I’m also glad that you like the Josie Maran sunscreen!
Posted by John | January 16, 2013, 1:25 pmWord LOL…it’s usually those pricey ones that get used up so quickly.
I hadn’t noticed the price of the Jan Marini sunscreen, but now that I’m looking at the cost/volume, it is definitely a pricier option, and I wouldn’t want someone underapplying it, so I’ll definitely be circumspect about recommending it to friends when they ask me for sunscreen options.
Yeah, the Josie Maran sunscreen is a hit, and not too pricey at all, especially in the jumbo size. I was initially worried because of the apricot and other fragrant oils it contains, as these sometimes cause allergic reactions on me (but I’m a DSNW, so no surprise there -_^ ), but I did a patch test with no reaction, and my skin seemed to like the product just fine with subsequent full-face applications, so it’s become my favorite sunscreen product for times when I don’t need water/sweat resistance. What amazes me about it the most is the fact that it’s not too white on me at all, despite a load factor of titanium dioxide at 9.5 %, but hey, I’m not complaining -_^
Posted by Trae | January 23, 2013, 12:39 pmOoh good descriptions of your experience with the Josie Maran sunscreen. I too, think it’s quite fantastic that it contains so much TiO2, which as you know as a very high refractive index, while being basically invisible! I’d imagine it’s a combination of nanoparticles (don’t quote me on that though), and the plentitude of unique emollient ingredients that help spread these particles apart (and keep them that way).
If only there was an equally excellent oily skin formulation. 😦
Posted by John | January 24, 2013, 7:11 pmooooooo…….i love hearing this! I just ordered my Josie Maran sunscreen last week, based on both of your recommendations and it arrived last night. I haven’t used it yet but am busting into that thing tomorrow!
Posted by janine | January 25, 2013, 10:00 amMhm. Please let us know how you like/dislike it!
Posted by John | January 25, 2013, 5:29 pmOK, this is a wonderful topic :-))
1. the first one is the facial cleanser. I make a foam-type and a cream-type (similar to paula’s choice balancing cleanser). I tend to overuse them (not only on the face, but I use them on my hands, body and on my baby’s skin). They are fragrance free and I am making small batches (100ml to 200 ml) in order to tweak and twist the formula, my goal is to make them as gentle as possible
2. the moisturizers. Now, I haven’t bought one for a while but I haven’t got the chance to make one either. I have a friend whose skin is similar and, when she asks me to try a new formula (she began to LOVE playing with % and different ingredients), I always make a 40 or 50 ml batch instead of her 30 ml batch, so I am using the “leftovers”. I tend to make small batches because I have so many ingredients in my home made “lab” that I want to try them all, all textures and combos, so I get tired of a product before I finish my 20 ml of it
3. facial oily serums. Here I make combos of 10 ml, packed with vit C, E, Q10, bisabolol and with a few other oils of my choice (high in linoleic acid, but also not having oleic/linoleic). I ADORE Pomegranate CO2 extract, Meadowfoam and Olive Oil unsaponifiables, plus Chamomile and Calendula CO2 extracts. Sometimes I add some phytosterols in there but they’re a pain to melt properly. So, each time I add a new oil and test it. These serums go on my face, cuticles, lips, neck, wherever they are needed. So these too go quickly.
4. the hair conditioner. I also make small batches, but I have a hard time learning to use less. I have dyed hair, thin, and the dye made its damage, no amount of conditioner can help me. So I tend to overuse.
5. sunscreen – during the summer, as I slather on all my exposed body parts
And now, I would share those which seem to take like forever to finish 🙂
1. Paula’s Choice serums. I have 3 of them, I use them rarely (the one that is used the most is the retinol serum). I absolutely love them, but I am already using many products on the face so it is hard to find a place for them
2. Paula’s choice shampoo. I am also trying to make my own gentle liquid shampoo (difficult mission!) and I wanted to try hers first. I love it, I bought a huge 400ml bottle which seems to last like forever. I do use it alternately with a solid shampoo bar, but still, that liquid shampoo is a winner.
3. The toner. I loved Paula’s choice resist toner (the one that is not that liquid, White). So io tried to make a similar one with my ingredients , slightly emulsified, packed with whatever antioxidants I had at home. with 5-6 drops for each use (leave it) it seems that I will also use it forever. I am now using it more often, I am eager to make a newer version. All fun and games.
4. Perhaps this product should have been on top of my list: Paula’s choice 2% BHA gel. I bought this one in may and I am still using it. for the first months I have used it twice per day, with pauses if my skin went dry. Now I use 1/2 BHA and 1/2 AHA gels together mornings and evenings. I do suspect that this gel will last for a couple of months from now on. Which is such a keeper!
5. sunscreen during the winter – as I use it only on my exposed body parts
Thanks, John, for letting us talk about our favorites 😉
Posted by sanzienesimatraguna | January 3, 2013, 11:23 pmWow, thanks for writing such an extensive response! You obviously love to experiment. I wonder what your makeup and skin care counters look like. Lol!
What do you think about the PC shampoo? I’d never buy it, but I’m curious how it’s that different than “regular” shampoos. The ingredients seems quite similar to a lot of the options at the drugstore.
Also, what are the main ingredients you use in your DIY hair conditioner? I’m just curious because my scalp (which I try to avoid applying conditioner to; but some inevitably still get on) can’t tolerate any type of non-fragrant plant oil (NPO). I have to stick to silicones and panthenol. I can use some hydrogenated fatty acid alcohols the like cetyl, cetearyl, and stearyl ones, but… eh. They’re just okay. NPOs really make my hair soft, but drive my scalp insane.
But anyways, it’s “all fun and games.” Love that!
Posted by John | January 4, 2013, 6:58 pmHi John! 😉
Well the shampoo seems gentle to me. I have an oily scalp and I wash every 2 days. Indeed, nothing special about the ingredients list, but this is why I like it. IMHO, the shampoo should gently cleanse and that’s it. All other vitamins and nice to have’s are going down the drain. I do need to wash my hair 3 times to get that luxurious foam that I enjoy (if you know that lovely feeling when you hairdresser washes your hair, you can feel the thick foam when he/she massages the scalp), but as I have learned to use very small amounts of shampoo with each wash, it’s OK. I actually have transferred 30 ml for current use and it takes me approx. 2 weeks until refill. I also love that it is fragrance free, I am fragrance free since may last year and now almost every cosmetic grade fragrance near my face is offending my nose :))
My DIY conditioner is almost never the same :)). In the EU it is nearly impossible to find BTMS-50 (INCI: Behentrimonium methosulfate (and) cetyl alcohol (and) butylene glycol) , so I use BTMS-25 (Behentrimonium methosulfate (and) cetearyl alcohol), even though this one has 1/2 of the behentrimonium in BTMS-50. If I go up on BTMS-25 then I get too much cetearyl and I believe that my hair is not that happy about it (not to mention that I will get a super thick conditioner). So, I use it at % varying from 3 to 7 (3 in a liquid spray-able leave-in product, 7 in the wash off one). Then I use monoi de tahiti (2%) or virgin coocnut oil (2%), and (sometimes) some other oil or butter (murumuru butter or jojoba oil or whatever other oil I want to test). glycerin at 3-5%, panthenol at 2-3%, dimethicone at 2%, cyclomethicone at 2% , cetrimonium chloride at 5%, some hydrolized silk proteins, some keratin ( actually a mixture of various ingredients amongst which hydrolized ceratin). sometimes I add hydrolized wheat / oats protein, sometimes I find something else that picks my interest in my “lab”…. But you know, I’ve been meaning to try an oil free conditioner foe one year now and I did not have the chance… I always seem to be so attracted to my monoi de tahiti jar! going oil-free could be the answer to me too (provided that I will not be running fingers trough my hair 50 times per day..)
I do remember now that I have seen an incredibly simple conditioner in a hotel I stayed, it was like water, cetrimonium chloride, cetearyl alcohol, glycerin, preservative, perfume. That detangled my hair, but there was no other “goodie” in it. And I could not see if my scalp is happy about it as I was washing the hair daily after swimming . So, maybe I should make a small batch – how exciting, a new project!
And don’t get my husband started about what’s in my “lab” :-)))) Ingredients tend to be much more expensive in EU, so you could actually try to DIY as well, at least for those simple products where you haven’t found the “perfect” product. 😉
p.s. makeup – I rarely use, I have just a few products. I usually put some foundation, a bit of eye liner and eye makeup, a hint of blush and mascara and that’s it. And I only do that because I have found a foundation silicone based , and I love the texture (L’oreal matte magique or something like that, it is labeled differently in EU than in US). There’s one silicone mix from Lotioncrafter.com that I wanted to buy and make me a face primer, and this foundation actually seems to be pretty close to that silicones blend. BUT my skincare counter is every counter in the house, which drives my husband crazy. And I understand why. And then there are also the ingredients and recipients…. quite an expensive hobby for an IT person :)))
Posted by sanzienesimatraguna | January 4, 2013, 7:56 pmOh I know that any “special” vitamins are useless in shampoos and any cleanser-type product lol. I’m just curious about your experience with that PC shampoo. Unless it’s “amazing,” I would never pay that much when I can get a much larger and still effective tube of shampoo for like $3 at the drugstore. Lol!
And lucky you that you get to use non-fragrant plant oils in your conditioner. I can’t. They make my hair oh so soft. But alas, my scalp punishes me after. 😦 But those are some well-thought out formulas you’ve got.
And your skin care counters may drive your husband crazy, but hey, he tolerates them right? That’s a great sign, though you obviously know that already!
Posted by John | January 6, 2013, 11:53 pmIndeed! The shampoo is not such a WOW but it is not perfumed, so this is why I love it. I used to buy expensive shampoos from my hair stylist, same price as Paula’s and 1/2 the quantity. The shampoo is mild, but not the wow factor. simple formula, doesnot make me itch or someting. In my country you can RARELY find well formulated shampoos WITHOUT fragrance. Actually, I have never ever seen a shampoo that is not fragrant 🙂
indeed, I am so lucky that he supports my hobby, though I wish he could trust my skills and use more often my products :)) I cold make him an after shave balm SO MUCH BETTER than the ones he is using, but he trusts his balm too much (which is too damn simple, IMHO)
Love you blog, John! I am so looking forward to see the eMail announcing a new post!! 🙂
Posted by sanzienesimatraguna | January 6, 2013, 11:59 pmI’m glad to have you in this niche community!
Posted by John | January 8, 2013, 10:27 pmThis is really interesting…and I thought I had scalp problems. I don’t know how long your hair is and you have probably considered this but maybe think about leave-in conditioners? After shampooing and conditioning with whatever now works for you, towel-dry your hair. Then, spray or pump leave-in hair conditioner/cream/lotion/oil into hands and then finger-comb through damp hair while carefully avoiding the scalp? If your hair is short, the leave-in hair stuff might inevitably get to the scalp anyway but it might be worth a shot?
Posted by Maggie | March 9, 2013, 12:36 amHm, that is a novel idea. I have tried one leave-in conditioner in the past. I think it was the highest rated one on MakeupAlley. But it had too much fragrance and didn’t really do anything for my hair, which is short most of the time. I ended up giving it away. For now, when I’m using conditioner, I just avoid the scalp and bend over in the shower for a few minutes (it looks ridiculous I know 😉 ), just to combat gravity’s inevitable pull of the conditioner on to my scalp.
In fact, I’ve been doing a little experiment where I only apply conditioner to the right half of my head. So far, I haven’t noticed any real difference between the two sides, except that the right side feels temporarily softer for a few hours after I take a shower. Perhaps it’s because my scalp is rather oily (I usually have to wash my hair everyday), that by the end of the day, my own “build-in” conditioner (read: sebum) makes up for the temporary difference seen in my experiment.
What do you think?
Posted by John | March 10, 2013, 5:18 pmWell back to the original dilemma. I still don’t have a facial sunscreen. I have some zinc for the body (they are big on Zinc only sunscreen here) but nothing for the face yet, I didn’t really think about whether the TM would be adequate so perhaps not the smartest purchase – oh well.
I have a list of not tested on animals brands,. I see that Shiseido is safe, might have to go with them.
Posted by Melinda | December 9, 2012, 1:48 pmWeren’t you using the Skinceuticals one? I thought you quite liked that. But anyways, the TM isn’t a bad buy at all! It will protect your skin; you’ll just go through it quite quickly.
Shiseido sunscreens tend to be very white; I think we’ve talked about this before. Which body sunscreen are you using? Why don’t you think it’s appropriate for your face?
Posted by John | December 9, 2012, 10:24 pmNo, I think there was a discussion about the Skinceuticals – someone emailed the company and was unhappy with the response about the ingredients (or something like that, can’t quite remember). Ok, white Shiseido – got that – will move on from there.
Was looking at the Blue Lizard stuff – hilarious, ‘Australian’ sunscreen and you can’t buy it here!! For the body, am just using Invisible Zinc but it is really thick and greasy and I probably won’t repurchase. I wouldn’t use it on my face because it is yuck.
Just had a look at Beautypedia (hmmm, the new format is a bit user unfriendly) Skin Ceuticals has 6 Titanium and 5% Zinc. Might give that a go.
It is quite difficult to simplify your routine – harrumph.
Posted by Melinda | December 11, 2012, 3:06 pmWow that sucks! Can’t get Blue Lizard even though you’re there…
Yeah give the Skinceuticals a try. 🙂
Posted by John | December 12, 2012, 4:59 pmWhat about Skin Medica Daily physical defense 30+ – is that any good?
Posted by Melinda | December 14, 2012, 5:21 pmNot to worry, just found Blue Lizard on Iherb
Posted by Melinda | December 14, 2012, 5:29 pmNice! Let us know how you like it.
Posted by John | December 15, 2012, 10:30 pmWell the Blue Lizard is here. Also the Jason Naturals I ordered for the body (probably should have run that one by the committee first). I have used them both for two days.
The Blue Lizard is super thick. It is ok as long as I leave it for half an hour or so before putting anything else on my face. I don’t feel that I have any adverse effects from it, but it is really hot here at the moment with a billion percent humidity and…maybe a winter sunscreen. It seems fine, but it is hard work for a hot humid climate – they really invented this in Australia????
The Jason naturals on the other hand – aaaargh. If you have the slightest bit of moisture on your skin it separates (or something) and takes ages to rub in. I got it all over my (black) clothes and hours later noticed that my ankles were still glowing white. Not a winner.
I do like the PC tinted moisturiser however. I like it a lot! I wonder if it is a ‘watered down’ version of any of her foundations? I would like to get it and dilute it myself – if I can find a decent sunscreen. I guess I will get the skin ceuticals next.
Posted by Melinda | December 21, 2012, 1:35 pmYeah, I’ve always hated the Blue Lizard for my oily skin type. But I can’t deny that it provides excellent protection. Sorry to hear that you’ve had bad experiences with that and the Jason product!
But I’m glad you’re liking the tinted moisturizer! It is pretty nice. 🙂
Posted by John | December 22, 2012, 9:31 pmIt’s pretty good, though I wish the UV filters concentrations were reversed.
Posted by John | December 15, 2012, 10:30 pmMelinda – i totally agree that the new Beautipedia site is quite user unfriendly! They have a “feedback” tab on the far right side of each page which (ironically) is really easy to use, so feel free to let them know.
Posted by janine | December 13, 2012, 10:01 amThanks for the info.
Posted by John | December 13, 2012, 2:55 pmHey John! I can’t wait to hear your new routine!
I probably go through Toner the fastest since I, too, tend to slather it on (since I am usually a little oily I skip moisturizer fairly often–I rarely FEEL dry, so I don’t bother– Should I still use one anyway? It usually feels like the toner gives me all the moisture I need.)
I go through serums (using this to refer to treatments/non-emollient moisturizer like PC’s antiox. serums) and moisturizer (lotions) the slowest–I have a small face so it doesn’t take much…and I skip serum too often. But a little goes a long way for me usually.
I don’t spend much time outside (lots of interior classrooms/rooms without windows, or rooms with the blinds closed…) so I don’t go through sunscreen too fast…but I did go through it pretty fast when I spent a week in Florida with my family a couple weeks ago! My mom thought I was nuts, spending 15 minutes slathering sunscreen all over my face (right into my hairline pretty much, and a little on my ears and neck and hands) and then waiting a little while for it to soak in, every day…but hey, we were going to the beach and SeaWorld and outdoor outlet malls! So if I ever do start being in the sun more, sunscreen might be the fastest!
BTW, like Melinda above, I got a sample of the BHA 9 and I am really, REALLY liking it for my blackheads! I really think it’s helping–they looked smaller after the first day and seem to be shrinking just a tiny bit each subsequent day (I think last night was my 5th day of use). I’m thinking I might be able to completely eliminate the 2% BHA treatment from my routine (I’ve been skipping it in the morning because I don’t want to overexfoliate) and just do this one at night!
I also ordered samples of the other Toners just to give them another try, though they’re probably too emollient, and the RESIST serum you recommended…haven’t tried them yet, I’ve been waiting for the weekend just in case something happens. My skin’s not extremely sensitive but the toners are the things that have given me the most trouble in the past.
Posted by Lisa B. | December 8, 2012, 8:02 amWell, I would prefer if you just slapped on a bit of serum, but really it’s up to you. Sometimes I get lazy too, but I try to stay as close to my routine as possible. And lucky you; going through serums the slowest!
And you’re just like me when it comes to sunscreen. My family and friends think I’m crazy too xD.
Let me know how the BHA9 goes for you! Without personally trying it, your experience may help me give better and more personalized recommendations to other people. Although… maybe I’ll get one myself to try. But I odn’t really need it, but who knows!
FYI, I saw you submit a second comment that was almost exactly the same as this one. Obviously, I didn’t approve that one since you already submitted it. I hope that’s okay with you!
Posted by John | December 9, 2012, 11:47 amSorry, I got paranoid–when I submitted, it told me to sign in and I thought i might not have saved the comment. I forgot that you approve them so I thought it got lost!
I know I should use serums more…if I don’t feel dry, though, I don’t need to use a lotion, right? Or should I use some anyway, at least over my cheek area (not the T-zone)?
Posted by ladyisla | December 9, 2012, 1:04 pmWell, if you don’t need the moisturization factors of a serum, then see it as a carrier for all the other beneficial ingredients like antioxidants, etc… for your skin. I mean you’ll always need those. That’s the main reason why I recommend a “moisturizer” for even those with oily skin types like myself.
Posted by John | December 9, 2012, 10:20 pmI just tried the Moisture Boost Toner again and it doesn’t sting, but after a little while, it sort of makes my skin feel warm, sort of like it’s burning…not exactly painful but definitely not comfortable.
Posted by Lisa B. | December 14, 2012, 2:53 pmHm are you having second thoughts?
Posted by John | December 15, 2012, 10:29 pmHa, well I’m glad it was just a sample; I wouldn’t want to use it again. On to the other samples! Maybe the Skin Recovery or RESIST one will be better.
Posted by ladyisla | December 16, 2012, 6:33 amGuess we’ll find out!
Posted by John | December 17, 2012, 11:52 pmOh…Aha, here’s the problem…usually it shows my comment but has a line at the bottom that says “Your comment is awaiting moderation.” This time the comment didn’t show up at all, so I thought it was lost.
Posted by ladyisla | December 9, 2012, 1:05 pmIt’s no problem. At least you’ve learned to save your comment! Too many of my long responses have been swallowed up by the internet abyss that I almost always copy and paste responses before hitting the “submit” button! 🙂
Posted by John | December 9, 2012, 10:21 pmHehe, it’s a little disconcerting that I write you such long comments that I have to save them… :-p
Posted by ladyisla | December 16, 2012, 6:34 am^Like very much!
Posted by John | December 17, 2012, 11:52 pmFastest – probably makeup remover (1:1 olive oil:witch hazel) and sunscreen. A close second would be face washes.
Slowest – Probably face masks and/or retinols. They definitely last a long time.
Posted by Alice | December 6, 2012, 12:49 pmLucky you when it comes to retinol! My retinol product only contains one ounce and it’s kind of expensive. 😦
Posted by John | December 6, 2012, 9:08 pmThe slowest for me to get through for sure is my prescription strength Retin-A (Tazorac), even though I use it every night. But lately I started using Olay Night Resurfacing Elixer, alternating nights with my Tazorac and boy, does that Elixer last a long time!
And just like everyone else, my most expensive serum (Neocutis Bio- Resorative serum) dissappears the fastest………ungodly fast……along with my paychecks……….
Posted by janine | December 5, 2012, 10:57 amLol! You are so funny!
Thanks for commenting!
Posted by John | December 5, 2012, 4:39 pmeye cream and sunscreen are the fastest, they come in tiny amounts. the longest probably shu uemura cleansing oil, bought it in january, use it everyday and it still has 1/6…
Posted by Ana | December 5, 2012, 3:41 amAs with the other people, I’m so happy to hear that you go through sunscreen quickly! It means that you’re most likely applying enough to achieve the labeled SPF rating.
And for something as pricey as the Shu Cleansing oil, at least it lasts you a long time. 🙂
Posted by John | December 5, 2012, 4:38 pmI’m very careful with sunscreen since I burn easily, I apply a coffee spoon for the face (when I use 2 sunscreens, 1 on the face and another on the neck/hands) or a tea spoon for face and neck. I also buy Japanese sunscreens which tend to be quite small so they go fast, but I don’t mind because this way I’m always experimenting new ones 🙂
I was hesitant to buy it at first but now I’m thinking of buying another one when this one is finished. I really liked it and I don’t think I would have the patience required to do the double cleansing with other oils, this one is just one step, good for lazy people like me 😛
Posted by Ana | December 9, 2012, 12:05 pmYes, if the cleansing oil double-duties for you, then go for it!
Posted by John | December 9, 2012, 10:18 pmQuickest….
1) Sunblock!!!! Elta MD Clear one that’s only 1.7 oz! Because I reapply sometimes and am outside a lot. Still looking for a good body sunscreen and I’m thinking I’ll try that Elta MD one that’s like a body lotion/sunscreen…I imagine I’ll go through that quickly too!
2) FutureDerm retinol. It’s the first retinol product I’ve used and I know you’re only supposed to use a pea-sized but I can’t lol!! I use like 2 pea sizes. I mean….when I try to use a pea size, I feel like it’s such a small amount and I can’t spread it all over my face! Like, I feel a pea size is enough for my forehead and nose and that’s it! *sigh* am I doing something wrong?!
Slowest….
1) Cleanser I think because I don’t use THAT much and it usually comes in a big and cheap bottle (I use cetaphil)
Posted by erika_delko@yahoo.com | December 5, 2012, 12:02 amThe EltaMD SPf 46 is pretty awesome, right?! The body lotion one is a tad heavier, but still very easy to use.
As for the FD retinol product, it sounds like you’re using the right amount. The “one pea size” is just an estimation. Some people have larger faces, and you simply need more product to cover your entire face. That happens to me quite a lot, so it’s no big deal. FYI, I’m not sure if you saw but there’s a sale right now until Dec 9, which includes free international and domestic shipping!
Posted by John | December 5, 2012, 4:36 pmThe quickest product that I consume is probably sunscreen. Once, I put on too much that a 50g tube of organic sunscreen lasted only 2 WEEKS. Hopefully, a beautiful physical sunscreen will be available easily in my place soon. Since I would need less to get the full coverage, my bottle would last longer! *sigh* Well, my favorite local brand is working on a sunscreen. I was able to talk to the co-founder once, and she said the earliest time would be on January, so I’m praying real hard for that!
The slowest would have to be my anti-pimple medicine. Something called Duac. You only need a tiny bit, so it would last at least 4 months! But despite its strength, my little pimples on the forehead never go away. At least it’s only on my forehead. But I’m so close to having almost perfect-ish skin!
Posted by Belle | December 4, 2012, 7:06 pmOoh talking with the co-founder sounds really great! What brand is it?
Congrats on almost perfect skin!
Posted by John | December 5, 2012, 4:32 pmThanks John! How’s your skin by the way?
The brand is called Human Nature. It actually was made by the daughters of a guy who made arguably the biggest and most reputable foundation to help the poor in my country, and most of the ingredients are from farms that help the farmers have a constant livelihood. So I’m helping my country while getting good skin! It’s a win win!
Posted by Belle | December 6, 2012, 2:57 amMy skin is great! Did I made it appear as if I’m having problems?
And using Human Nature products definitely sounds like a win-win. 🙂
Posted by John | December 6, 2012, 9:07 pm*I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY TOO!* XD LOL anyway fastest: sunscreen and retin-a. @.@ i sweat and oil up too much so my neutrogena ultra sheer dry touch spf50 is slathered all over exposed areas; face neck and arms. maybe because i walk a lot when i travel to school. retin-a used to be my spot treatment for my cystic acne but now that i know it works for like almost everything, i apply it all over my face because im beginning to see nasolabial folds, fine frown lines! EEEK! slowest: (this is not a skincare item but it came straight to my mind) gel eyeliner. gosh, it takes forever to reach the bottom of the pot! my previous pot took me 8months of everyday use! XD
Posted by nelsonvengeance | December 4, 2012, 7:06 pmYes speak my friend! Lol!
It’s great to hear that you go through sunscreen fast. At least you know you’re applying enough, which is a rare thing indeed.
And yay for gel liners. It sounds like even after 8 months, it hasn’t dried out, which means that it’s a quality product. 🙂
Posted by John | December 5, 2012, 4:31 pmhehe it’s another product by kanebo’s kate, but you how we tend to like dip the brush into it and just leave it open as we apply it to our eye then only cap it after we’re done with both eyes? i turn it over to prevent air from drying it out in between dips so that really helped =D
Posted by nelsonvengeance | December 6, 2012, 5:36 amNice work!
Posted by John | December 6, 2012, 9:08 pmThe quickest would have to be my cleansing oil — which I use every night before following up with my normal cleanser. And the slowest… it’s a toss up between eye cream and masks, both of which I always, always forget to use, though I have made the resolution to be more diligent about them. 🙂
Posted by Emy Shin | December 4, 2012, 4:23 pmTeehee. Even for someone like me, who loves going through my skin care routine, I get lazy sometimes too. Lol!
Posted by John | December 4, 2012, 6:34 pmFor the basics: I’d say I go through cleanser the fastest with tinted moisturizer in second place. Slowest? Hmmm: maybe toner (I use such a small amount). Of course the most expensive stuff (serums) always goes first, lol!
Posted by Cathi Clark | December 4, 2012, 4:12 pmSeriously… it’s always the expensive stuff that goes by the quickest. Ack.
What tinted moisturizer do you use? It must be one of your favorites since you go through it so fast!
Posted by John | December 4, 2012, 6:32 pmHey John *waves.
Quickest – Paula’s Choice anti-ox Serum – those tubes are so gosh darn small. Slowest – the weekly resurfacing stuff (despite using it every second day)
Melinda
Posted by Melinda | December 4, 2012, 4:00 pmThe serum IS in a tiny tube, but it still has 1 oz. But yeah I agree, when I was using it, I went through 2-3 of them rather quickly.
As for the Weekly Treatment, I still have my FIRST bottle that I purchased almost two years ago haha! Well that’s probably because I don’t use it in my updated routine anymore… but yeah, I have about 1/4 left.
Nice to see you comment again!
Posted by John | December 4, 2012, 6:31 pmMelinda, I’m like you and go through the antioxidant serum the quickest! That, and my facial cleanser.
I have so much of the Weekly Treatment too! I have less than one bottle left of the 5% version and I’m trying to stave off a PC order for as long as I can, so I may be using the WT more often. The WT is harsh on my skin, so I’ll probably rinse it off after letting it sit for a couple of minutes.
Posted by BooBooNinja | December 5, 2012, 2:31 pmI agree Ninja. I no longer use the WT because it’s just too potent for my skin, when considering the rest of my routine. Still have no idea what to do with it…
Posted by John | December 5, 2012, 4:41 pmHey John, I have been reading the updates, just don’t always have anything intelligent/useful to add.
I am loving the WT My skin is softer and seems a lot clearer. I am definitely needing less makeup (although my laziness might have something to do with it). One thing that I am also doing – which is probably evil is using the Diego Della Palma Mascara technico semi permanente. You don’t need to wash it off it is a tint and after a few days your eyelashes definitely start to look naturally dark and not gluggy or anything. At first I thought it was pointless, but then I stopped removing it and it is really good, makes my eyes stand out more even first thing in the morning.
That has absolutely nothing to do with skin care…
I am just doing a PC order now as they have 50% off for one week only (yay, the Australian prices are usually a killer). In my fantasy world my 14 year old son is suddenly going to care about his blackheads and use all the lotions and potions I am about to buy him (and let me use the magic squeezy thing on him too – a girl can dream) – or they might end up with the 18 year old step son’s girlfriend.
The only problem is that I am tempted to buy things that I have never bought before. Maybe I will just fill up my cart, run away for awhile and then empty most of it out.
Going to get prescription Retinol on Tuesday – look out world!!! 🙂
Posted by Melinda | December 7, 2012, 4:19 pmWell it’s great to hear from you regardless. 🙂
The semi-permanent mascara sounds really cool. I’m sure we’d all love to look like we’re wearing makeup, but then not having to apply anything!
If you’re going to buy new proudcts, that’s perfectly fine! Especially if they’re from PC. Since I’ve had quite a lot of experience with her products, if you have questions, feel free to ask me! I’ll answer them ASAP so that you can get them at 50% off.
Congrats on the prescription tretinoin! Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions!
Posted by John | December 7, 2012, 8:10 pmThanks John – you are a pet.
I ended up only buying three things – the BHA 9 (I had a sample and it works really well on breakouts for me and nixed a media event my son was growing on his chin), 2% BHA lotion for my son (wish me luck) and I thought I would try the Barely There Sheer Matte Tint SPF 20 as I don’t have any tinted moisturiser left and the more I look into this animal testing the less brands I am prepared to try (le sigh).
Since It only has 8% Titanium Dioxide. What would happen if I put a Zinc Oxide sunscreen under it? Would it be pointless? Or would it boost it?
I didn’t really see the point of buying anything else since I am about to add retin A to the mix and I have plenty of my other regular items. That was still $82 – so even at 50% off it costs more here. Not that I think it is outrageous as an overall spend, just that it is such a difference between countries.
Posted by Melinda | December 7, 2012, 9:18 pmThat’s great to hear that the BHA9 is working for you!
While I would prefer if your son used the 2% BHA liquid, since the lotion may be too emollient for oily acne-prone skin; it clog pores. But perhaps using that in conjunction with the BHA9 will be fine.
As for the Sheer Tint SPF 20, are you sure you bought the Sheer Tint? Because I just checked the PC website for your location, and that product contains 5% ZnO and 5% TiO2, just like the US version. Are you sure you didn’t buy the RESIST SPF 15 Moisturizer, because that contains 8% TiO2? But anyways, I don’t think 8% TiO2 alone provides good UVA protection alone without ZnO, but it is better than nothing. Putting a ZnO sunscreen under it would certainly boost the overall level of protection.
Posted by John | December 8, 2012, 2:12 amDoh, I looked at so many ingredient lists – I must have mixed them up. You are correct (of course), I did buy the sheer tint and the ingredients are as you say. So is that going to be enough SPF or should I boost it with something else? I have just been staying out of the sun so that I don’t have to worry about the whole SPF thingy but I can’t be a hermit forever and the weather is just getting worse 39/102+ and super high humidity – oh how I long for a cold climate :-(.
I might change the lotion to the liquid, just habit as that is what I used to use, forgot that his skin is different – good pickup thank you.
Posted by Melinda | December 8, 2012, 1:59 pmIt’s definitely an adequate amount of protection, though I would personally would not use it alone on a regular basis. I save tinted moisturizers for when I’m really in a rush and don’t have time to mix my own foundation and regular sunscreen, which overall provides much more protection. But again, using a TM is better than nothing.
Also, if you apply the TM alone, the amount that you’re going to have to apply means that you’ll be going through the tinted moisturizer quite fast. And since you said that PC products are usually pretty expensive… Anyways, I’d recommend using a bit of your regular sunscreen, and than layering the tinted moisturizer over it. You can even mix the two together. Again, that’s up to you though.
Posted by John | December 9, 2012, 11:51 am