Wonk Jr's Ultimate Skincare

Why was I appointed to the SOMC? Well, others will tell you it was CSS, but the TRUE reason the deep state saw my necessity was because when the inevitable neoliberal renaissance happens, y'all better be pretty for it. Our most beloved leaders are often the most prettiest, have you seen Macron, Trudeau, and Obama. Hot damn, but it's not as if their skin is good by itself.

Skincare is a long-term investment. Although the initial costs are high, a well-crafted routine can lead to high returns in life. Why? Better skin gives you a renewed sense of confidence, leads to better judgement from others, and generally allows you to look better.

Skincare does not care about your gender, anyone can use the tips in this post to improve their look.

The Stuff

Here, I'm using an American approach to skincare with high usage of acids and liquids, while a more Asian approach would be with heavy amounts of cream. Check out /r/SkincareAddiction for the former and /r/AsianBeauty (or maybe not? I heard there was some drama) for the latter.

I have dry skin that is relatively acne-free, so my requirements may differ from yours. I highly recommend you read the FAQs in your subreddit of choice, this post is intended to be a tl;dr.

Core

Moisturizer: Moisturizer is the fundamental pair of skincare. If there's only one thing you get out of this post, it's that one must Moisturize. Moisturizing gets your skin plump and nice, and is overall the best thing you can do for the lowest cost that is guaranteed for good returns. All skin is different and different moisturizers work for different people, but I recommend CeraVe Mousterizing Cream; it's generally regarded as one of the best choices you can make with a high success rate.

Cleanser: Cleanser cleans your skin, and is the other half of fundamental pair of skincare. Although cleansing can be down with just water, I highly recommend you use a specialized cleanser. There are multiple types of cleansers that work differently, but I'm just going to stick to the basics. I highly CeraVe Foaming Cleanser; however, it can be a bit rough on some skin, so some people may benefit from the Hydrating Cleanser.

Sunscreen: Sunscreen is very important for skincare. As Bill Wurtz said it, the sun is a deadly laser. Exposure to the sun, no matter how minimal, can leave permanent effects on the skin such as hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) and skin cancer. A good sunscreen is always in your best interests; I recommend Paula's Choice 50 SPF. Anything under 50SPF is worthless, and anything over ~80SPF is a scam. Even if you have brown skin like myself that doesn't burn, you should still use sunscreen; in an older age, your skin will remain fresh.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin on your face, which can lead to a renewed "glow". There are two times of exfoliation: physical and chemical. Physical is highly discouraged for two main reasons: physical exfoliation is rough on the skin and can cause more problems than they fix, and they often employ microbeads which is harmful to the environment. Chemical Exfoliation is the better by a large margin, although there are some outliers.

BHA: BHAs are used to tackle Acne. BHAs penetrate deep into the skin, dissolving all the gunk that lies under the pores. There are several forms of BHAs, but Salicylic Acid is the most common. I recommend Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA. Note that if you use a BHA, you must use Sunscreen; BHAs increase sensitivity to the Sun.

AHA: AHAs help repair hyperpigmentation on the surface of the skin by tackling the top layer of the skin. I recommend Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA, an universally loved option.

Note: AHAs and BHAs are not mutually exclusive, they can be used together. Some recommend you use a BHA in the morning followed by an AHA at night. Personally, I use a BHA followed by an AHA; the BHA loosens the skin, thus increasing the efficiency of the AHA.

Aztec Face Mask: This is a personal favorite, and a good example of why Physical Exfoliation can be beneficial. Aztec Clay has amazing properties, when it comes in contact with bacteria it literally rips it apart. To make the skin mask, you want to use a 1:1 Ratio of Apple Cider Vinegar and Aztec Healing Clay. I will explain how to use this later.

Extras

Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a so-called "miracle vitamin", it benefits the skin in so many ways that its quality cannot be overstated. I reccomend The Ordinary.

Caffeine: For all the students out there or people with persistent black bags under their eyes, topical caffeine can have huge benefits in reducing their appearance. I recommend The Ordinary.

Oil: An Oil can have crazy good effects on the skin (and elsewhere), but everyone has a different type of oil that works best. It can be used to cleanse, or to add a lot of good stuff to your skin. Personally, I use Almond Oil.

Toner: Toner is a catch-all term referring to a generic item applied to the skin with some property that is beneficial. There are many toners that do many different things, but I use Thayers Witch Hazel with great success; it "tightens" the skin and provides a fresh look (and smells amazing!)

The Routine

Ideally, skincare is done in both the AM and PM. The time commitment at first can be hard, but as you settle into your routine the time commitment will decrease.

Example Routine (mine)

Note: Most of the stuff detailed requires gradual buildup. If you try everything here at once, you'll push your skin into overtime and cause acne outbreaks. Ideally, just start with a moisturizer and cleanser and work your way up in the process of ~2 - 4 weeks.

AM:

1. Brush your teeth. If you invest in your skin, invest in your teeth too. In addition, toothpaste can actually cause pimples around your mouth, which is why I recommend you do it before you cleanse.
   
   
2. Cleanse. Apply your cleanser. Either you can just apply it and wash it off, but I just hop into the shower to wake me up as well.
   
   
3. Niacinamide. Apply a little bit on your face everywhere.
   
   
4. Caffeine. Close your an eye, and apply a drop directly under. Rub it in, and don't get it in your eyes (it hurts like a bitch).
   
   
5. Toner. I pour a bit of mine on a cotton pad, and dab liberally.
   
   
6. Moisturizer. I tend to apply my moisturizer very liberally, there isn't any harm in your skin looking plump and having a nice glow.
   
   
7. Sunscreen. If you're sitting in an office all day with no window and you have max 30 mins of sun exposure (without a BHA, if you are then it is a must!), then you're okay without applying sunscreen. Otherwise, apply your sunscreen liberally.
   
   

   PM:
   

   
   

8. Cleanser. Your second cleanse removes all the crap on your face you accumulated on your face throughout the day, as well as prepare your skin for new stuff.
   
   
9. Oil Cleanse. If wearing Sunscreen, an oil cleanse can remove the remnants of the sunscreen of the sunscreen. It's also well-loved in Asian Beauty circles, as oil can pull wonders.
   
   
10. BHA. Apply the BHA (different BHAs have different application methods, read the back) and wait 5 mins.
    
    
11. AHA. Apply the AHA and wait for 5 mins.
    
    
12. Moisturize. Before you go to bed, moisturizing just keeps your skin nice throughout the nice. This is not for beauty reasons; dry skin can be a mess to deal with (flaking).
    
    

    Subroutines
    

    
    These are some skin-care routines I do weekly.
    
    

    Weekly Clay Mask
    

    
    This process takes 30 minutes and can completely refresh your skin.
    
    

13. Apply BHA.
    
    
14. After BHA, apply the clay mask. I recommend you use a plastic (not steel) spoon to slather it over your face. You'll feel it start to harden, and you'll want to remove it when you feel a satisfying "pulsing effect". Overdoing it can damage your skin.
    
    
15. Remove the Mask. This can be done in two ways; either peel it off with your hands and throw it in the trash, or take a shower. Important if you're taking a shower; make sure the water is constantly running, the clay mask can clog the drains.
    
    
16. Perform an OCM (Oil Cleansing Massage). You want to apply oil on your face, let it set for a few minutes, and start to lightly rub your face in circles. If you do it for too long, you can damage your skin capillaries, so be very conservative about its use. Around your nose, if you feel like grains of sand in your fingers, you have done something impressive; you've gotten rid of grits. Grits are the little pieces of stuff on your nose that look like pimples but cannot be removed. Although this process removes grits, they will eventually fill in (they're dirt), but it removes it for now.
    
    Also, why this post came up late

Alright, first...Happy Early Birthday!!!

Now on to face things.

Skincare

First of all you should check out r/skincareaddiction. Even if you don't want to join the community the FAQ is great.

What I do for my normal/oily skin is every morning and every night I wash with CeraVe Foaming Face Wash which is recommended for oilier skin. So you might want to check that out.

Every 3 days or so I exfoliate with Epicuren which is just from my mom's shop but it's a nice deep scrubs without being too abrasive. You don't want abrasive like with say St. Ive Apricot scrub because you're actually tearing your skin and that's just not very nice. You want to gently exfoliate.

Once a week I use a LUSH face mask. My favorite is Love Lettuce because it's refreshing and exfoliating. Second favorite is definitely Cupcake. I feel so clean and bright after it.

Wipe off your makeup before you go to bed. It's bad for your skin and bad for your sheets. Whatever you do to take it off, just get it off. I use vaseline. It's cheap and easy on my sensitive skin.

Clean your brushes. Clean them. Seriously. What I do is after every makeup application I get a tissue and something with and edge like the edge of my dresser and I wipe the brush over the tissue over the edge to get all the excess makeup out. Then every 2 weeks I do a deep clean. Get a bar of some kind (towel rack, clothes hanger) and rubber bands. Get some warm, running water, and either some baby shampoo or some brush cleaner (though honestly I just use shampoo) and wet your brushes, bristles pointing downwards always. You don't want to get water trapped inside the little metal/plastic attaching ring thingy. Add a dot of shampoo to your hand and swish that brush around. It'll be gross. Good. You'll always remember to do it now that you know how gross your brushes get. Rinse bristles down. Dry bristles down by wrapping the rubber band around the handle and attaching to your rod/hanger.

Makeup

This is what I cannot live without

1. Naked Basics. This is the best $27 I have ever spent in my life. I use it every single friggin day. All of the colors are perfect neutral mattes from lightest light to darkest dark. I even use one of the colors to fill my eyebrows. It's perfect.
   
   
2. Wet n Wild Liquid Liner. I've become a liquid liner addict. It really helps make it look like I have eyelashes. The brush is very firm and very thin so I always end up with a line where I want it.
   
   
3. Urban Decay 24/7 glide on liner in Smoke. I have very light eye lashes. So I tight line.. Trust me. You want to tight line.
   
   
4. Clump Crusher I love this mascara. It really is non-clumping and while it doesn't give me the longest lashes in the world it makes them look fuller because there's no clumps.
   
   
5. Smashbox BB Cream. This is just the BB cream I use. It does what all the BB creams do but I happen to match the 'Fair' color very well.
   
   
6. Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer. This shit smells like chocolate. I'm not even joking. I'm new to bronzer, but it's perfect for my skin tone.
   
   
7. Sephora Blush. I'm still learning about blushes but I like that this one is matte. I'm not a sparkle face girl.
   
   
8. Lipstick. I have too many to choose. See this comment I did where I swatch and rated every lipstick I have.
   
   
9. E.L.F eye shadow primer You need primer. No. You need it.
   
   Makeup For You
   
   So if you're just starting out again you don't want to go spending a stupid amount of money before you figure out what you like. So here are my suggestions for you specifically.
   
   
10. Eyeshadow. Now if you can afford it, I highly recommend Urban Decay Naked Basics. But that's $27. So in lieu of that I suggest you get some Wet n Wild Eyeshadows. Maybe this one or this one.
    
    
11. Eye shadow primer. Go to target and find the ELF section and get primer. It's a dollar and it will make your eye shadow amazing. No reapplying no smudging no creasing. Just perfect perfect eyes. It comes in other colors too, you may want to get a shade darker if you want to match your skin tone.
    
    
12. Eyeliner. I would say get a pencil in either black or dark brown. I don't know if liquid liner is right for your eye shape but if you want to give it a go then you do whatever you want; it's your face.
    
    
13. Eyelashes. Get a lash curler. Two to three curls and you should be good. I'd say black mascara for you.
    
    
14. Eyebrows. I'm not an eyebrow expert but you're probably going to want to shape and fill in your eye brows (unless you love them just the way they are). For shape I'd go to a professional first before you wax at home or go plucking away. Then for filling in you can just use an eyebrow kit. Although I've heard complaint that dark eyebrows are the hardest to find a matching color for :(
    
    
15. BB Cream. I hear Etude house kicks butt and it won't break your bank.
    
    
16. Concealer. I love Maybelline 24 Hour Superstay Concealer it's awesome. You want to blend that stuff too, don't just dot it on.
    
    
17. Blush. I think maybe a peachy blush but pictures don't always show stuff right for skin tone so maybe you need pink. I can't really tell.
    
    
18. Bronzer. You've got great cheek bones. I would skip this for now. Unless you're super gungho in which case: I'd check out The Balm.
    
    
19. Lipstick. Cheap and amazing lipstick is NYX and I think a nice natural shade would look great on you. But seriously, if you live near an ulta, nyx is like $3.99-$5.99 for lipstick. It's amazing. Or everyone goes gaga for these Etude House Bunny Glosses.
    
    Anyway, I think you look really great and that's the best start is being confident and having a natural beauty. Also I love your hair. But if you have any questions just let me know :)
    

HAPPY CAKE DAY! =D

Hmm...I have many favorite songs, but this is definitely near or at the top of my list! It's called Ode We Will Bury Ourselves by Moving Mountains. They're a fantastic band, and I highly recommend them! This is one of their older things, and they've sort of altered their sound a bit, but I still think they're a really really great band that makes great music. =) I hope you like this song, too!

My favorite animal is honestly a tie between a sea otter and a bunny! I love sea otters and I think they're adorable. I love going to the aquarium or the beach and watching them be their cute furry selves! I also have a pet bunny, though. She's equally awesome. Smart, cute, soft and unbelievably furry. :3 Both animals are just too awesome to me, hehe.

As for my best joke, I wanted to tell you a good chemistry joke, but all the good ones argon. Eh? Eh? Hahaha, yeah...

Thank you so much for hosting this contest, and again, happy cake day! If I win I would very much like any of the nail polishes on my list, including this one, this one, or this one! Surprise me, please, if I win! I can't decide between those three! X)

Omg, currently living here! In general I'd recommend checking out the Cosme rankings. However I have a lot to say so I'm going to list my recommendations in descending order of importance haha.


The hada labo lotion (note: it's actually a thin liquid that westerners would call a toner) is quite good. (looks like this). However I have really really dry skin, and I personally prefer their "milky lotion". These products (and their equivalents in Hada Labo's "premium" line are popular enough that you can get a good price on them on amazon, but I'd really recommend taking this opportunity to go try them all on the back of your hand at a drugstore. Like, literally any decent-sized drugstore in Japan should have them all :)


There are a lot of really good japanese sunscreens that you should look into. Plus with your skintone, you probably won't have to worry a ton about whitecast. I think the Biore UV bright face milk would be a nice place to start, especially if you have oilier skin! It's also quite nice under makeup.



In my experience, Japanese mascaras tend to be lengthening and clump-proof, but often aren't too volumizing. If, like me, that isn't an issue for you, I highly, highly recommend the Heroine Long and Curl.
Japan also does really great false lashes, if that's your thing. Miche Bloomin makes some really natural looking ones, but I know people also like the ones Dollywink and Dup make.


I really love the CEZANNE UV Clear Face Powder. It takes the shine down without totally mattifying. Other people really like the Canmake Marshmallow finish powder.


The naturie hatomugi skin conditioning gel and/or lotion are really well-reviewed, and fairly cheap here. I see them in a lot of little cosmetics shops and some drugstores. I personally haven't tried them because it didn't seem like they'd be moisturizing enough for my dry skin, but it sounds like they might be a nice fit for you.


The classic DHC lip balm in the pink tube is kind of pricey but also my favorite lip balm, and the lipsticky shape makes me feel ~fancy~


All my japanese girls are currently into Excel's eyeshadow quads. They're great for getting that really shimmery japanese eye look, if you're into that. The Opera tint rouge is also really popular here.


DHC and Kose (the pink softymo, in particular) make good oil cleansers, but they'd be a nightmare in a suitcase so I don't recommend you buy them here.


A lot of japanese makeup shops also currently stock [the SAEM] Cover Perfection Tip Concealer, which I like a lot and is pretty popular.


Speaking of south korean brands, if you're in a big city (ie: Tokyo, Osaka) there will be some standalone South Korean stores (eg: Etude House, Innisfree, Skinfood). The Etude House store in Umeda is closed this week, but if you can find one, you should try the soon jung line! CREE`MARE by DHOLIC stores also stock a lot of south korean makeup, especially cushions.


Anyway, have fun! And feel free to message me with questions about confusing packaging/whatever while you're here :)

Edit: grammar haha

• Oil Cleanser (Nighttime Only): Innisfree Apple Juicy Cleansing Oil $17.99; oil cleanser helps to melt off makeup and sunscreen and emulsifies with water for a clean finish. Note: You don't have to use a special oil cleanser, you can also use grapeseed oil, additive-free mineral oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil, just be aware you will typically require a second cleanse to completely remove the oil from your face. I personally use neem oil which is antimicrobial and antifungal because of adult acne, but it is a drying face oil.
  
  
• Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser $11-17; has ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Has the appropriate 4.5 pH necessary for cleansers.
  
  
• Serum: OST Pure Vitamin C Serum $18.49; will help with evening and brightening skin tone, complexion clarity, and anti-aging -- requires long-term consistent use to see max benefit.
  
  
• Hydrating Toner: Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion (Moist) $17.54; contains hyaluronic acid and other hyaluronates, helps to lock liquid in skin, try to apply to slightly damp skin to max benefit. The HA needs moisture to grab onto and some people experience drying if they apply a product with high HA on dry skin.
  
  
• Hydrating Serum: Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence $17; contains snail secretion filtrate, aloe, glycerin, arbutin, naturally derived salicylic acid, and azelaic acid (review here for more info on ingredients}, helps with wound healing, redness, lightning PIH, and soothing inflammation.
  
  
• Face Oil: Pura d'or 100% Pure & USDA Organic Argan Oil $19.99; high in fatty acids which helps moisturize and soothe irritated and dry skin, optional vendor: Garden of Wisdom. Note: A good face oil is a trial and error thing, you may prefer: avocado oil, passionfruit seed oil, rosehip seed oil, etc. Certain oils are more drying, others are richer and more moisturizing. You may have to engage in some research and experimentation to find which is right for you and most can be found for under $20 if you look.
  
  
• Emulsion/Milk (Daytime Only): Hada-Labo Shirojyun Arbutin Milk $16.35; High hyaluronic acid and glycerin content, is slightly richer than the toner previously listed and can be used as a daytime moisturizer underneath your sunscreen. Arbutin is a skin-lightening ingredient that evens skin tone and fades PIH, but you can get Rohto Hada-Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Acid Milk $15.86; which is the same thing but without the arbutin.
  
  
• Sunscreen (Daytime Only): Up to you, one of the trickier products out there and I assume you have something you like already. Asian sunscreens tend to have a better cosmetic finish but rely on chemical sunscreen ingredients. I personally use EltaMD UV Lotion Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ which is marketed for body but has the same ingredients as EltaMD's facial sunscreen.
  
  
• Moisturizing Cream (Nighttime Only): Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream $17.00; Contains snail secretion filtrate, peptides, fatty acid rich oils, and niacinamide to help moisturize, prevent water loss, and encourage wound-healing. One of the richest face creams I've personally tried with good ingredients for the price. For details on the ingredients, see here. Remember if your T-zone is oily, you don't have to apply it there!
  
  Option 2: EltaMD PM Therapy Moisturizer $22.13; high in niacinamide and linoleic acid to help restore skin's moisture. May need the aid of an occlusive like Vaseline or a sleeping pack (see below).
  
  
• Special - Sleeping Pack: Option 1 Mizon Multi Function Formula Snail Wrinkle Care Sleeping Pack $14.98; Option 2 Etude House Moistfull Collagen Sleeping Pack $15.96; Option 3 Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX $33.99; Sleeping packs are extra rich creams which go on top of all your other skin care at night to give you an extra boost in moisture. Similar to people putting a thin layer of Vaseline on at night, you put a thin layer of the sleeping pack on and sleep with it over night 2-3 times a week as needed. They're more of an extra thing, not an every day thing, much like a face mask.
  
  That is an example of a moisturizing and non-irritating East Asian skincare routine using products that are all $20 or under each (barring a couple options), each with good hydrating and anti-inflammatory actives. Almost all are available through Amazon or through a singular vendor like W2Beauty which usually has coupon codes and can combine shipping. Target will carry the Laneige line in stores, but it is more a mid-price range. I can't personally guarantee they'll work for you, but the starting points are all there for you to do the research yourself if need be.
  
  

Oh gosh that routine sounds quite drying.. The tea tree oil could be burning your skin and I'm not sure about using vinegar straight in your skin... Water doesn't dilute the tea tree oil or the vinegar, it's just floating around it. You are basically putting household cleaner on your face. The excess oil your skin is producing could be because it's stressed and dehydrated and you've damaged your moisture barrier. I'd stop both of them immediately and start looking for some soothing healing products and try and baby your skin back to health. If you want to learn more about your moisture barrier and why it's important this is a super in depth and helpful article - http://skinandtonics.com/the-importance-of-fatty-acids-ph-moisture-barrier-how-i-eliminated-my-acne-decreased-my-skin-sensitivity/.

To address each of your concerns:
-blackheads and sebaceous filaments can be helped with BHA products BUT these will only damage your skin further, I'd get it back to good health before adding this in. Eventually you could try something like this routine (which I do once a week) - https://fiftyshadesofsnail.com/2015/03/28/how-to-shrink-pores-temporarily-plus-3-pore-myths/ but seriously it will make your skin worse for now, it's better to wait till its in a better condition.
-spots around your mouth I'm really not sure about sorry. Ingredients like niacinamide (sp?) or alpha arbutin could help but I'm really not sure.
-small bumps could be fungal acne, try googling a bunch of images and see whether any look familiar. If you think it is fungal acne here's two good resources on what ingredients/products to avoid - https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/6ohgsx/discussion_fungal_acne_my_experience_and_how_i/ and https://simpleskincarescience.com/pityrosporum-folliculitis-treatment-malassezia-cure/.
-sensitive skin - as you start trying new products keep track of what makes you more sensitive so you can pinpoint your triggers and learn to avoid. It'll be a painful process but you'll get there in the end I promise. I have a very basic spreadsheet to track what I buy, how long it lasts and how my skin reacts. If there's a few different things flaring up your skin you can cross check ingredients to work out exactly what sets you off and avoids products with that in it. It'll be a long process but you've got many more years to live in your skin & it'll be worth it.

Now in terms of what I suggest you should do here's my two cents... Stop everything you're currently doing and focus on gentle hydration, hydration, hydration. Take it all with a grain of salt though, I'm no expert, just a gal trying to get her skin looking good and staying healthy. As you've got sensitive skin you might find it quite hard to find your holy grail products so I'd recommend getting sample sizes and patch testing excessively to try and reduce the effects of products your skin disagrees with. I put a small dab on my neck, cheek & eyelid for at least a week, although two weeks is the gold standard.

Specific things:
Coconut oil has a reputation for breaking people out, but if it's working for you keep going. If you want to try something else mineral oil is supposedly pretty non reactive. I personally use the pricey shu uemura cleansing oil which is my to die for product if you can justify the $$ (££) - https://www.shuuemura-usa.com/Cleansing-oils/skincare-cleansing-oils,default,sc.html
I think a more hydrating moisturiser would make a big difference, the stratia liquid gold is known for helping repair damaged moisture barriers - https://www.stratiaskin.com/products/liquid gold. The Dr Jart+ ceramidin cream is also super hydrating, I'm working up to dropping the $s on that again - http://www.yesstyle.com/en/dr-jart-ceramidin-cream-50ml/info.html/pid.1035926021. The Cerave PM is very highly regarded as a gentle moisturiser too - http://www.cerave.com/our-products-moisturizers-pm-facial-moisturizing-lotion. I also tried this brand once when a friend had it and it was very gentle - https://helloskinshop.co.uk/products/zeroderm-ointment?variant=24620997383.
You could also consider adding in another hydrating product after oil cleansing before your moisturiser. Hyaluronic acid is super hydrating, it's molecules can hold like 6 times their weight in water. Hadalabo is a popular brand with a few variations on a HA "liquid" this is the most popular one - https://www.amazon.com/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA. There's a premium one that is more hydrating that I'm about to start using once I'm done with the regular one - https://fiftyshadesofsnail.com/2016/03/26/hail-hydra-hada-labo-gokujyun-premium-lotion-review-hada-labo-lotion-tips/.
Snail is a nice soothing product if your skin doesn't react to it (it might! Get a sample and patch test) this is a nice one I slather all over my skin - https://sokoglam.com/products/cosrx-advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence.
Honey is another nice soothing ingredient, there's lots of options you could try some regular ole honey on your face to see if it reacts. I'm using this product at the moment although I think it might be breaking me out so I'm taking a few weeks off in case - http://www.holysnails.com/2015/07/scinic-honey-all-in-one-ampoule.html. I don't have oily skin though, so it might be too much for you.
Facial oils could work for you, rosehip gets a generally good rap. You can use on its own or mix into a moisturiser to make it more hydrating. Google facial oil and try out ones that seem like they'll suit your skin.
I talked about niacinamide earlier, the ordinary has a nicanimade + zinc serum which is quite nice and VERY good value - http://theordinary.com/product/rdn-niacinamide-10pct-zinc-1pct-30ml.
Sunscreen is always critical in skin health, you might struggle to find one for your sensitive skin, but if you can find a moisturiser try a sunscreen in that range. And if in doubt try Japanese, they do the nicest. I use this one which is alcohol heavy but very light overall - http://www.refinery29.com/biore-uv-aqua-rich-watery-essence-review.

If I was you I'd stop everything but the oil cleanse and find a veeery gentle, very soothing moisturiser and just do the two of them for a few weeks and see how that goes and slowly add in other things. You only need to oil cleanse at night, in the morning a splash of water should be fine. If you're not wearing make up its still worth cleansing off your sunscreen and the general pollutants of the day, go for a low PH cleanser to be more gentle with your skin. I use this foaming one - https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM. I've seen other redditors with sensitive skin prefer milk cleansers eg https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/674uya/discussion_favourite_creammilk_cleansers/. Please no more tea tree!

As you can probably tell from the products I've suggested I use a more Asian skin care regime which really works for me. It focuses on hydration and being gentle with your skin. It can get very complex but doesn't have to be. I started with an oil cleanser and now two years later I have a hydrating toner, essence, serum and ampoule... not all necessary but all I enjoy! If you want to know more here's a good start: https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/wiki/new_user_guide.

Good luck with your skin! No quick fixes unfortunately just lots of trial and error and eventually you'll get there. I think without the stripping tea tree and vinegar & with a repairing moisturiser you should see some improvements pretty quickly. Stick with it even if it doesn't. Research other people's routines, learn about what different ingredients do, how your skin works etc. Definitely not wasted time, eventually you can help others on reddit :)

Greetings!

If you are fortunate enough to have a significant other who indulges you in your enjoyment of wet shaving, you may be greeted on cake day with an upgrade or two. I was fortunate enough to be the receiver of a new Dovo Silver Steel SE razor and strop set from Straight Razor Designs. I'm only 3 shaves into the SE routine, and it's definitely taking some getting used to.

Anyhow, here's my current gear going clockwise, starting at the top left:

• I lied. Let's start with the shelf. It's an Ikea Sävern
  
  
• Arko Shave Stick - Smells a bit like Ivory soap with a hint of citronella. The rich lather this thing creates after you wipe it around your face is astonishing.
  
  
• Desert Essence Jojoba Oil - A few drops as a pre-shave between washing my face and applying the lather seems to soften up the rough stubble.
  
  
• Custom brush from Redditor AceByTerror. I can't say enough good things about this guy. I was initially interested in a brush from WhippedDog, but I couldn't find a handle to get me to make the jump. I stumbled across Ace's listing of brush handles for sale and was blown away by his craftsmanship. I contacted him and let him know I was having a hard time choosing between two of his amazing pieces, and settled on one. He had good things to say about knots from The Golden Nib, so I trusted his judgment and he glued the knot in, let it set, and shipped it shortly after. What I didn't anticipate was that he threw in the other handle I was interested in... YES, HE GAVE ME THE OTHER HANDLE, as a token of appreciation for being his first Reddit customer!!! I may as well die now because I don't expect that I'll ever have an experience with another vendor that will come close to being this unexpectedly awesome. Oh, and the brush... It's beautiful and functions as well as its form, as it whipped up a frothy lather that was a joy to shave with when I broke it in today. If you're interested in a custom brush handle, definitely check out his wares.
  
  
• Copper shaving cup from The Best Shave - This thing seemed like a bargain at $5.60; however, it's lightweight and pretty thin, and does feel cheaper than it looks. The Best Shave is located in Turkey, so if you order from them and you happen to live in the US, expect your package to sit in customs for 3-4 weeks. I ordered a few blades, Arko, and an alum block from them along with this bowl. They shipped my order quickly, but US customs sat on it for a long time.
  
  
• Edwin Jagger De89lbl DE ordered from Amazon. Actually, the threads on the first one I had broke, and EJ sent me a free replacement along with some samples. Amazing customer service! The razor consistently delivers a smooth, irritation-free shave. My current blades of choice are the Astra Superior Platinums in the green box. These are a steal at $.10 a blade, and I've been getting 4 shaves out of them.
  
  
• Dovo Silver Steel from Straight Razor Designs - Beautiful. I wasn't ready to have something this nice. I've given myself a few nicks, but I'm only 3 days in, so I guess it's to be expected. I'm alternating between this and the DE as my skin adjusts.
  
  Bottom shelf from right to left.
  
  
• Hair product and brush... next.
  
  
• bareVitamins skin rev-er upper - Ok, so it's marketed to the lady types. Laugh all you want, but my skin seems to agree with this stuff. It's a lightweight moisturizer with vitamins for healthy, even skin and acids to exfoliate. I use a pump of this stuff after applying aftershave.
  
  
• Royall Bay Rhum - An aftershave that is very heavy on the cloves. Provides a nice warm tingle like a heat lamp hovering around my face all morning. The smell starts a bit strong, but dissipates quickly.
  
  
• Repurposed antique witch hazel bottle with the original label. I dumped out the contents that must've been several decades old, and filled it with Thayers Witch Hazel.
  
  
• Ashtray filled with alum rocks from an Asian market. I got a whole bag of these things for a couple bucks. They seem to do the job!
  
  
• Bonus handle from AceByTerror. I'll probably buy a badger knot from WhippedDog to use in this handle. Speaking of, Ace's generosity inspired me, so I've been mulling over ways to return the favor to /r/wicked_edge. I'll post a follow up when the time comes.

Thx for the info. Here's my super long post but I wanted to give you useful information. I think you’re on the right track in terms of “active” ingredients (BHA, AHA, retinol, etc.) but I’d switch your routine up to ensure maximum product efficacy (the order you layer your products effects their absorption) and I'd switch your products to more tried-and-true ones like inthegloww suggested as well. Below are my suggestions with a little science behind them, courtesy of the bloggers “snow white and the Asian Pear” and “lab muffin”. As others have noted, unfortunately there’s no magic bullet formula for flawless skin, so you’ll just have to keep monitoring your skin daily and adjust your products accordingly.

Definitely ditch the following:

1. Burt’s Bee’s Brightening Face Wash: Unsure of the pH. Us acne-prone folks need to use a low pH cleanser.
   
2. the hyaluronic acid (HA): I know there’s a lot of hype around HA right now but it could be making your skin drier if there’s no moisture in the air since its humectant. You need to lock it in with an occlusive on top (sealant). I think a good moisturizer will be more than sufficient.
   
3. the moisturizer with the vitamin C:
   a.) I don’t think you need vitamin C at this stage of the game and;
   b.) It might not even be effective in the moisturizer since Vit C is a finicky active. (It comes in many forms, some are pH dependent; needs to be in a concentration of 20% to be effective; begins to oxidize if mixed w/water so stabilizers are needed [serums tend to be more stable then cream formulas for this reason]; air/photosensitive so it needs to be in dark air tight packaging like a pump. It’s a pain in the butt.)
   
   AM Routine
   1. Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser - $12
   —Acidic Cleanser: Clinical studies have shown that an alkaline cleanser, high pH (greater than 6.0 pH), contributes to the proliferation of acne bacteria on the skin. An acidic pH (less than 6.0 pH) is less bacteria-friendly. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser has a 5.5 pH, and contains ceramides which help protect the skin barrier.
   2. Active: Salicylic acid (BHA) - Humane Clarifying Toner. If you feel like switching, try [Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid] (https://smile.amazon.com/Paulas-Choice-SKIN-PERFECTING-Exfoliant-Facial-Blackheads/dp/B00949CTQQ/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1518761128&sr=1-1&keywords=paulas%2Bchoice%2Bbha&th=1) - $25 on Amazon // $30 on her site but she frequently runs 20% sales + you can use a rebate site too to save even more (Coupon Cabin is 8.5% back currently).
   —BHA: Salicylic acid is only effective at certain pHs 3-4pH and concentrations (1 – 2%). Paula’s Choice is pH range of 3.2–3.8
   3. Active: AHA - AHA Enhanced Renewal Cream. Apply AHA following BHA, but only 1-2x a week to start. If you feel like switching, try [Mizon AHA 8% Peeling Serum] (https://smile.amazon.com/Mizon-AHA-8-Peeling-Serum/dp/B00F35GT0W/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1518760920&sr=8-4&keywords=Mizon%27s+AHA+8%25+Peeling+Serum&dpID=41diUr7YN6L&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch)
   —AHAs are not oil-soluble (difficulty penetrating oily areas of your face such as the T-zone) but BHAs are. So, apply the BHA first to clear out the sebum in your pores, then apply the AHA which can then penetrate your skin more effectively. Ideally, you’d wait 15-20 min. between applications for optimal results but who has time for that?
   4. Moisturizer: [CeraVe Facial Moisturizer PM] (https://smile.amazon.com/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-Lightweight/dp/B00365DABC/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1518763286&sr=1-4&keywords=CeraVe+Facial+Moisturizer+PM) - $9
   Contains ceramides and niacinamide which has been shown to reduce pore size.
   5. Sunscreen: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++
   —Japanese sunscreen. Non gloopy physical/chemical combo, doesn’t leave a white cast, some folks like to use it as primer pre-makeup
   
   PM Routine:
   1. Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
   2. Active: Antioxidant - [Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant] (https://smile.amazon.com/Trilogy-Rosehip-Antioxidant-1-01-Ounce/dp/B0081JE0VM/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1518761377&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=Trilogy+Rosehip+Oil+Antioxidant&psc=1) - $22
   —Rosehip Oil: A linoleic-rich oil (an omega-6 fatty acid). Acne-prone skin tends to have a low % of linoleic acid and high % of oleic acid in the sebum. It’s thought that these low levels could be one of the things causing acne. Oils with a high linoliec acid content typical go rancid w/in 3-6 months but the antioxidants in this brand keep it shelf stable for three 3 yrs.
   3. Active: Retinoid - I'd try azelaic acid, Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% - $8. If you want it stronger, it comes in Rx as well.
   —Azelaic Acid: "According to Wikipedia, it can treat mild to moderate acne, both comedonal acne and inflammatory acne. It works by killing acne bacteria that infect skin pores AND it decreases the production of keratin, which is a natural substance that promotes the growth of acne bacteria. So it tackles clogged pores like a BHA preventing future acne and kills bacteria to improve current acne. It also fades hyperpigmentation, like an AHA, but without photosensitivity and unlike some forms of AHA, it can be safely used by those with deeper skin tones." quoting snow white and the Asian Pear
   4. Moisturizer**: CeraVe Facial Moisturizer PM or [CeraVe Moisturizing Cream] (https://smile.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Cream-Daily-Moisturizer/dp/B001V9SXXU/ref=sr_ph_1_s_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1518769817&sr=sr-1&keywords=cerave&th=1) if you need something heavier - $12

Do you have a Pinterest Board/Spreadsheet of Polishes you own? Link? Alas I do not, but I do have a photo. Back row is Revlon/Sally Hansen, 2nd back are China Glaze, 2nd from front is Ulta3 (Aussie cheapie brand, not the same as Ulta) and Sinful Colors, and front row is OPI, Essie, and misc indies.

Can your SS include gently used polishes/items? For sure!!

What types of items would you enjoy receiving other than polish? I really have no serious preference. I love to be surprised :D I love cat stuff (love my cat, Claus), I'm currently obsessing over the SF Giants (baseballllllllllll!!!!), My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (GO PINKIE PIE)... and just stuff, honestly. I'm not a fussy person and will love and adore anything I'm sent.

Food Allergies: None, but I do not do well with spicy foods so please avoid anything even a lil bit burny.

Favorite Candy/Snacks: I adore sour stuff like warheads, umeboshi... etc... Roll'd Gold pretzels.

Favorite Type of Cookie: Choc chip. Can't go wrong with a classic!

Favorite Scent: So... Sinful. That stuff is amazing, it smells like cake!

Five Desired Polishes/Polish Related Items: Zoya - Zuza, Julep - Monica, Orly Bonder, Seche Vite, BlackSheep Lacquer - Farore.

Favorite Polish Brand: At the moment, China Glaze. I've never tried Butter, Zoya, or Julep >.<

Favorite Color: Pretty? I seem to have a lot of bluey greens so I guess they would be!

Do you have any Hobbies? Gaming :D Annoying my cat, working on my quilt... This is the centre block, all sewn by hand, no machine work... Listening to music... stuff........

Do you Collect Anything? I collect Pinkie Pies (but only the current gen because the older ones are creepy now), I collect the Vinyl Pop figures (I have Fionna and Marceline from Adventure Time and Pinkie Pie), and I collect teas (do NOT like russian caravan style teas)

Favorite animal: Wolf. And then, cat. This is mah tattoo.

What is your lemming (Most wanted polish) I don't think I have one currently to be honest. Probably a popular brand or indie that I haven't tried?

What person (dead/alive) you would like to meet? Richard Branson. Easy. I have his autobiographies and they are AMAZING.

Favorite Music Artist/Type: The Living End. I listen to anything except for a lot of screamy music, country, or rap. There are artists in all those genres that I enjoy but just not a massive fan as a whole.

Favorite Stores to shop at: Kikki K. Oh em gee I adore Kikki K. Also love places like JB HiFi (Aussie version of Best Buy).

Favorite Sports Team/Athlete: SF GIANTS!!!!

One Place You Would Like to Visit: Himeji Castle in Japan :)

Favorite Magazines You Do Not Subscribe To: I have no idea :S I'm not a magazine kinda gal really.

Favorite TV Show: This is a stupidly tough question. I lurrrrrve Detective Conan (Japanese version because the dub was HORRIBLE), Hannibal, Better Off Ted, Orphan Black, Tattoo Rescue, The Amazing World of Gumball, RuPaul's Drag Race (still watching the last season, DO NOT SPOILER)... other shows... I'm not a fan of too many American comedies tbh.

Anything else your SS should know about you: I'd be grateful for a fart in a box (please don't) :D I'm so excited to be a part of this event so I will love whatever you send!!!

I'd recommend starting slow. Start with a mild foaming cleanser, a basic moisturizer, and a sunscreen. If you want to add more stuff on for your acne, check out /r/SkincareAddiction and /r/AsianBeauty. Their sidebars are seriously amazing.

But for a cleanser, you can't go wrong with CeraVe foaming cleanser. It's cheap, easily available, and gentle for any kind of skin. There's a bunch of theories on which kinds are best, but I've seen all sorts recommend this cleanser.

Moisturizer is really key as well. Dry skin can cause acne just because your skin is craving moisture! CeraVe and Aquaphor as well as natural stuff like Jojoba oil or Coconut oil have been talked about a lot as good options here. I'm still in search for a really good one I gel with. I do use as a light moisturizer Mizon's Snail Recovery Gel as it also clears up small cuts and inflammation as well. Be patient with this step, as some moisturizers can break you out.

Sunscreen is honestly like 100% of skincare, I'm convinced now, after plunging head first into the two mentioned subs. I use This Japanese one cuz it's cheap on Amazon and has one of the highest pH ratings out there. This Korean one is also highly praised online.

But the fun part I really like? MASKS! OMG MASKING! I love wash offs like Origins' Charcoal Mask (great for acne!) and Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask are both awesome choices! I'm also a big fan of sheet masks (they put the good-for-you goop on a piece of fabric so it's easy to apply). These are the ones I usually buy because it's a great value and they work amazing. You usually only mask for 15-20 minutes and it's like a mini me-time spa-time for me. Doing this like twice a week has done wonders for my skin!

Have some fun with your skincare journey! I'm having fun with finding my perfect self pampering routine. It's more a form of self care for me now, so I feel a little sad if I miss any steps at this point. Hope that helps some! :)

Oh youre welcome!! Something about your post I really related to.
Rosehip oil is life. Omg. I looooove it and so does my skin. I mix it with my snail cream and it makes this magical goo that my skin literally drinks up so fast its crazy. Its kind of a think oil by itself but mixed with a moisturizer its like magic haha
Yeah its crazy, I lurked r/compulsiveskinpicking for like.. ever before I actually subscribed. It was as if the day I subscribed was the day I had to admit to myself that I was indeed a skin picker. Almost like joining AA or something "hi my name is krissy and Im a skin picker." haha but it was actually empowering, and so helpful knowing I wasnt alone.
For cleansers I have recently been doing Ole Henriksen's Balancing cleanser in the morning, and then I use Kose speedy Oil Cleanser at night. The kose rinses cleanly so I do not double cleanse, I only use that. Its part of my efforts to moisturize like mad at night. Oil cleansing also helped me curb my picking because I do the full process of letting it sit for a few mins then massaging it for a few minutes and I feel like I can feel my pores being cleaned and that is somehow super satisfying.
I just got my bottle (today! woo!) of CosrX low pH morning cleanser to replace the OleHenriksen in the morning. I decided to switch because of how much Ive come to love Cosrx and their products seem to really agree with my skin. Sometimes I feel like Ole's can be drying (because its part of their acne/oily skin line, in fact its basically the last product in my routine aimed at acne and its getting replaced). I can report back later with the findings but it comes highly recommended on this sub as a gentle cleanser.
The snail cream omg. I became a believer almost instantly on the slug life. I have both the snail power essence and the snail all in one cream from cosrx. I love love love them. I use the essence in the morning before my moisturizer and I use the cream at night mixed with my rosehip as my second to last step before my overnight mask. Sometimes just for fun Ill use the essence at night before my other serums too. I honestly cant get enough. I think its because its so healing that I feel like I see improvement in any blemishes and scars every time I use it. Of course, YMMV but seriously Id take my snail to a deserted island with me.
My overnight mask also comes from Cosrx, the honey overnight mask, I may try their rice one after I finish this just for fun, but I am completely happy with the honey one. Its a good occlusive on its own, but sometimes I will even spot treat over top of it with vaseline on blemishes and areas where I deal with scarring.
And definitely dont worry about the questions. You shouldve seen me firing off questions to everyone on this sub when I first got into it!! Im glad to help :)

Sure!!! In my opinion, the differin makes the most significant difference in my overall skin appearance and texture and the rest of the products are there for "support" so to say, but are no less important to my routine! I'll also try to include some mini reviews when possible so this might get long. I'd get a snack, lol.

AM Routine (note: this also depends on time in the AM, and whether or not I plan on leaving the house and/or apply makeup) --

1. If I did not apply the CeraVe Healing Ointment the night before, I cleanse only with micellar water. I like the Simple brand, L'Oreal for dry skin, and the CVS beauty 360 brand a lot. If I DID apply the CeraVe Healing Ointment the night before, I cleanse with the Neutrogena Hydro Gel hydrating cleanser. I like this one and my skin feels really soft but really clean after, not dry.
   
   
2. Hylamide SubQ anti-aging serum -- Very thin and watery, but I like it. My skin feels less dry and since fine lines are an issue under my eyes due to eczema under them, I'm getting more into anti-aging at age 23.
   
   
3. Hyalmide SubQ Under Eye serum -- Bottle is only 15 ml but you really only need one drop for both eyes. Genetic dark circles and fine lines are major concerns for me. Both Hylamide serums are still very new to me, so I can't comment on results yet.
   
   
4. TO Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA -- My acne scars fade quickly and the product has HA that helps with hydration. I can't single out this product as something that single handedly cleared up my scarring because I use so much, but I genuinely believe it helps. If I'm short on time though, this is something I might skip. This doesn't happen often though.
   
   
5. TO Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% -- If I'm feeling really, really, really dry, at this point I'll also incorporate a drop or two of facial oil when applying this product. I like this product a lot, but it wasn't hydrating enough for me on its own regardless. If I'm super pressed for time in the AM, I might skip this one as well, but again not often.
   
   
6. Avene Skin Recovery Cream -- This product is a ride or die, holy grail, will never, ever, ever be without it again kind of moisturizer for me. It's a bit pricey at $20-$30 USD on Amazon, but if I ever heard it was getting discontinued I would still buy a 2 year supply in backups. I have to buy mine on Amazon due to lack of retailers near me and I have gotten duds/fakes before, so be careful. Read reviews!!
   
   
7. Sunscreen -- If I'm not planning on wearing makeup, I wear the Elta MD UV Clear physical sunscreen with Niacinamide (also note: If I plan on wearing this, I'm also gonna be skipping the Vit C from step 5). If I am planning on wearing makeup, I LOOOOVE the Nivea Sun Protect Plus UV Milky Essence, but it's hard for me to get on Amazon with prime shipping so I usually settle for the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence. The Biore has a higher alcohol content and is therefore more drying, but it does the job.
   
   
   PM Routine --
   
   
8. If I were wearing makeup, I would used to always go for plain ol' mineral oil to remove my makeup/oil cleanse and follow again with the Neutrogena Cleanser from the AM. Now I'm trying a cleansing oil that actually emulsifies and rinses away and I'm liking it a lot. I usually follow with a quick swipe of micellar water and continue with my routine. If no makeup, I go straight in with the micellar water to cleanse.
   
   
9. MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence -- I like this a lot. I've only been using it for a month or so texture wise I don't notice a huge difference in my skin from this product alone. But it is very moisturizing and I think it helps my skin hold onto moisture for longer in conjunction with the other products. I kinda pat this on with bare hands after putting a few drops in my palm.
   
   
10. Differin, every other night. I use a pea sized amount all over my cheeks (worst prone for clogs), chin, forehead, and then the remainder on my nose. Holy grail status, will never be without again.
    
    
11. Same Hylamide serums from AM.
    
    
12. TO Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum -- I love this. It is pretty thick/goopy/gooey and kinda sticky when it dries down but this texture doesn't bother me too much because the residue feeling goes away when I apply other products on top.
    
    
13. TO Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% -- On nights I don't use the differin, I will use this with a few drops of face oil mixed in. This has a more slippy/silicone-y feeling that isn't very moisturizing despite it looking very creamy. I mix the oil into the product on my fingertips before applying to my face because I found if I applied a few drops of oil on top of the skin after apply the suspension, the product would pill up and move around. I didn't love this product at first, but after cutting it out for a while I really missed it because it's definitely subtly effective. I read somewhere to pair it with TO's Niacinamide serum and I like them back to back.
    
    
14. Avene Skin Recovery Cream -- See AM routine.
    
    
15. Random Sample Eye Cream OR Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream if I have it on hand. That's the only eye cream I've ever repurchased the full size for after using a sample.
    
    
16. CeraVe Healing Ointment -- I use this shit for everything. Seriously, I will put a thin layer all over my face at night to lock in moisture, heavily applied under/around the eyes if my eyes are feeling irritated from eye makeup or my eczema, lip balm, cut balm, burn balm, elbow/callous balm... So good. It's quite a bit more moisturizing than Aquaphor and has ceramides.
    
    OTHER RANDOM BITS:
    I will also layer the CeraVe Creamy Oil onto my skin under the Avene Skin Recovery Cream in the PM if I'm feeling extra dry/irritated and skip the acids. I like the My Beauty Diary Hyaluronic Acid Sheet masks. I'll usually take a bubble bath once or twice a week and use those on my face during that time.
    
    Feel free to ask me any questions! :)

So I have a few suggestions, because my skin used to be exactly like yours. I realized that after getting my basic skincare routine down that my skin isn't actually oily, it was just the products I use (which may be a different scenario for you) but I do have to take a lot of measures to combat my dehydrated skin. I also have redness that once required full-coverage foundation and now I wear tinted moisturizer to just even out my super mild redness. This is my routine:

AM:

Mario Badescu Keratoplast Cream Soap. This is less of a true cleanser in the way that it won't really work at removing makeup, but it is really fantastic at soothing redness/any irritation and making my skin feel super soft.

I then use Etude House 10-in-1 House Wonder Pore Freshener. This is a new addition that I really like for sebum control and pores. Not a neccessity for you it seems like, but I figured I'd suggest it. It's a toner. I find it actually works for me, when in in the past I'd use a toner and be like ok..... this is doing nothing, lol.

Then I use Nature Republic New Soothing Moisture Aloe Vear GEL 92% moisturizer. LOVE this for soothing redness and providing some serious hydration! I was really worried about this being sticky, especially because I have an aversion to textures sometimes, but I actually really like this. I know a lot of people say you shouldn't use stuff from jars, but I find that as long as I continue to see results, the jar continues to work for me. I just switched to this from the Clinique gel moisturizer and not only is the price decrease amazing, but I saw/felt results so quickly!!

For days that I know I need extra hydration in the AM (i.e., winter), I use Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion prior to my moisturizer.

Last morning step is sunscreen - I just switched from a western sunscreen to Missha All-around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel Spf30/pa++ and I really like it, and that'll help your redness, too.

PM:
Cleanse with First Aid Beauty cleanser. I really like this, but I find it to be on-par with most cleansers, although this is gentler for sensitive skin.

Every other day: Too Cool for School Egg Mouse Pack. LOVE THIS. Improves brightness/radiance and gives hydration.

After I get out of the shower, I use the toner I mentioned above.

Cosrx BHA. Some say it reduced their redness, but I found it just helped with sebum/blackheads. I like Stridex better as a BHA, honestly.

I use the Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion every night, and follow with my moisturizer I mentioned above. I'm currently searching for a good night cream, I used Eucerin anti-redness prior and I didn't like it very much.

Throughout the week, I'll use the First Aid Beauty
Skin Rescue Purifying Mask With Red Clay, which I really like, but since you're on a budget I'd say it could wait. I find it reduces redness but works best for blemish control. I also use Tony Moly sheet masks, particularly ones that combat redness/dehydration.

Overall, if you could only afford 1/2 products, I would most recommend the Mario Badescu and the moisturizer I mentioned - but I also would highly recommend the Hado Labo lotion regardless due to your severe dehydeation.

Awww, I know that feel completely.

I've never tried any Tatcha products, however... I have been in the market for an enzyme cleanser lately, and the one I'm looking at is often cited as a great dupe of the Tatcha Rice Enzyme Cleanser in the Amazon reviews- the SRB Stabilized Rice Bran Enzyme Cleanser, $25 on Amazon or Peach & Lily. I first saw this in a Liah Yoo video and I guess due to the kinda bland packaging it's not very popular, but the reviews on Amazon and Amabie are excellent. Apparently the product is extremely gentle and the ingredients list is pretty short, so it might be ideal for you. :)

https://www.amazon.com/Rice-Bran-Cleanses-Brightens-Exfoliates/dp/B01DZDIJSS

Honestly, I'm kind of an AB noob myself, because although I research many products, I don't really have that much $$ to spend on products and try them. Since you have sensitive skin, maybe try a balm cleanser? They're apparently very nourishing and the Banila Co Clean It Zero Sensitive formula has great reviews. Renee from Gothamista has also recommended the Heimish Cleansing Balm (it has donkey milk and she's butter, oh my gosh) and I believe her skin type is also dry-sensitive.

https://sokoglam.com/products/banila-co-clean-it-zero-sensitive-skin
https://www.amazon.com/Heimish-Clean-Balm-Cleansing-120ml/dp/B01CJ639SM

Looking at the ingredients in the serum and cream, they seem somewhat similar to the Nature Republic Royal Ginseng line, all the way from the rice, royal jelly, ginseng, sodium hyaluronate, and silk extracts to the 24k gold. This line is very expensive as well, but may be less problematic to you.

The top, likely active, ingredients in the Serum are Algae Extract and Rice Extract and in the cream the Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate is the number 1 ingredient, so I think you should start looking for serums and creams high in those actives, as those are the highest concentrated ingredients in the Tatcha moisturizing products.

I couldn't find much with Algae Extract that was a moisturizer, except one Nature Republic Eye Cream, the Collagen dream eye cream.

https://www.amazon.com/NATUREREPUBLIC-Collagen-Dream-Cream-Korean/dp/B00H4HD25W

The second ingredient, the Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, is very interesting because it actually used to be the active ingredient of the famous SK-II Essence, before it was replaced by the very similar Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate. This Ingredient is likely going to be much easier to find in an essence rather than a moisturizing cream. I know that the Missha First Treatment Essence has Saccharomyces but I'm also including a link/list of SK-II dupes that contain either Galactomyces or Saccharomyces as they are very similar, and because many of the other SK-II dupes are actually cheaper (the Missha is around $50), including the CosRx Galactomyces which is only $15.

http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2016/01/sk-ii-facial-treatment-essence-dupe.html?m=1

https://sokoglam.com/products/time-revolution-first-treatment-essence

https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Galactomyces-Whitening-Power-Essence/dp/B00OZE57XW

The last ingredient, Rice Extract, is present in an insane 65% potency in the CosRx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Mask, which is also a cult favorite on Reddit. And, it's less than $15.

https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Ultimate-Nourishing-Rice-Overnight/dp/B01518D84U

Lastly, I saw sodium hyaluronate, or hyaluronic acid, in both the serum and cream, so if I were you, I'd invest in the cult favorite, Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion. I have the Premium version, and it really is wonderful and leaves your skin firm and hydrated, and is a great way to get in extra moisture before your cream.
Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist, 5.7 fl. oz. (170ml) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BSNBO9O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_EZa8ybAC6S473

A final note: since your skin is sensitive, I would stay away from any artificial fragrance or irritants in any products. Hada Labo and Cosrx are both fragrance free companies that only use what they need to make the product effective. Again, check your ingredients at CosDna as well as reviews. Also many of these products are available cheaper on some other websites, I just chose who came up first. Generally, SokoGlam is a safer bet than Amazon because you won't get a fake product, but it's also slightly more expensive.

I know this is a long post but I also know how daunting the search for good, affordable skincare can be. Also, don't forget to wear sunscreen. There's no point in getting so many products just to negate their effects with UVA damage.

Best of Luck! <3

I know the impulse is to do a big order to save on shipping, but I think it's also ok to do several smaller shipments. You can't use everything at once anyway. Ideally, you should be introducing new products little-by-little. Maybe one new product a week, so you can test to see if your skin likes it. Also, you can order samples of a lot of the more popular products, so you can test that way too.

Since your skin is only sensitive sometimes, I guess you'll have to decide how much you want to baby your skin. For me, I would want to choose products that are more for sensitive skin when there's a choice. But you might know better how much you need to do this.

For cleansers, I like the Banila Co. I have sensitive skin, and I am ok with the regular one. The Purity version actually has some herbal ingredients that I wasn't sure would work for me. The BioDerma water looks good, and I think it could work as your step 1 to remove makeup. Cleansing oils are nice too. You could get a few samples of these. DHC is olive oil based and should work for sensitive skin unless olive oil happens to break you out. (You might not know until you try.) The Innisfree, Skin Food and Face Shop cleansing oils are all pretty popular, but scented.

For toners, the Mizon is the one I've heard of most. It might be good for acne, but not sure if it will work for dryer skin. For masks, the Skin Food one is popular. There's a black sugar strawberry one that people like. For eye cream, I would go for the Kiehl's or Mizon because of the snails.

For treatment, I have the C20 Vitamin C but haven't used it yet. I would try to buy some samples of the Innisfree. Missha ampoule and essence are popular as well.

You might want to hold off a little on the AHA/BHA's until you get a settled routine and your skin is more moisturized. The Mizon AIO is not a real moisturizer from what I understand. It's kind of a treatment and goes on before your other steps. A little different. You can order samples of the Starfish Cream pretty easily.

Too Cool for School has a pumpkin sleeping pack that people like. Also, people seem to like Mizon Good Night Sleeping Pack. But Laneige is said to be nice too.

You might want to add in Hada Labo lotion. It's popular around here and works a little like a serum. Not a lotion as we think of it. You may need an extra lotion or cream at some point, but those are usually easier to find in non AB if you need. Have fun!

Hi! Due to the recent drama around here, a lot of the sidebar links take us to nowhere right now. The sidebar is usually a lot more welcoming! I think the mods are working on finding alternative sources of info, but in the meantime, here's a really good breakdown of how to evaluate your current routine to see how you might want to go about changing it, and here's sort of a crowd-sourced list of things the members here recommend, separated by skin type.

Until the beginner guides routines get retooled and put up, the search function might be a good place to start looking for recommendations, as well as sister subs like /r/AsianBeauty, /r/skincareaddicts, and /r/skincareaddictionuk, and outside sites like MakeupAlley and Beautypedia (although be aware of the bias towards Paula's Choice products here).

Now, as for your specific routine, you have a few options: you could look for a new cleanser and/or moisturizer, or you could add a few steps to your routine to level up on moisturizing. Which of these you choose to do and why is completely up to you, but here are a few common considerations among those whose skin feels dry or irritated.

• 1: your cleanser might be drying you out. Generally, the closer your cleanser is to skin's natural pH (around 5.5), the less it will disrupt your skin's barrier function, which helps protect your skin from bacteria, irritation, etc. I'm not familiar with your cleanser, but if it's above 5.5, this might be what's happening. Off the top of my head, commonly recommended cleansers at pH ~5.5 include: CeraVe foaming cleanser (found in most drug stores), CeraVe hydrating cleanser (ditto), Hada Labo Foaming. You can find more if you search this sub and places like /r/AsianBeauty (who have a spreadsheet color-coded by pH) and other subs linked here on the sidebar.
  
• 2: you want a heavier-duty moisturizer. This is pretty self explanatory. You might need something with more emollients and occlusives in it; emollients make your skin softer, while occlusives form a barrier over your skin to prevent water loss. Look for things with mineral oil or petroleum jelly (occlusives) and things like fatty alcohols (cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl) and oils for emollients. A lot of people on the sub like to recommend CeraVe in the tub or CeraVe PM as a starting point, but be aware that some people have negative reactions to fatty alcohols. EltaMD's Melting moisturizer is usually a safe bet, since it includes so few ingredients, and my all-time favorite is DML Daily Facial Moisturizer. Again, these are the things I can think of off the top of my head since I've used them, but the sub search will bring up plenty more.
  
• 3: you might want to keep your current products and consider adding in more steps to your routine. Like they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? If you know your current products aren't breaking you out and feel like your skin just needs a little push over the edge to get to Happy Moisture Land, you could just add in a step or two to your existing routine. One of the easiest changes would be to slap on a thin coat of Vaseline or Aquaphor at night after cleansing and moisturizing; these both act as occlusives to prevent moisture loss overnight. If that's not enough, you could also add in a humectant between cleansing and moisturizing. Humectants help to retain moisture, and they pull up water from the dermis to the epidermis. Common humectants include glycerin and hyaluronic acid, so ideally look for products with those in the ingredient list--you often find them in things categorized as toners (although, as a side note, beware of any toners that contain alcohol, which can be drying). Some people have bought vegetable glycerin from the store and love it, while others prefer light serums with hyaluronic acid, such as this (also available at Ulta with different packaging), this, or this. Finally, you could also include a separate emollient step, like incorporating a facial oil before your moisturizer. You can get a great sample pack of oils from Garden of Wisdom, or you can pick up something from a Whole Foods, a vitamin store, or any kind of natural foods store. Popular oils include jojoba, sunflower, safflower, coconut (this breaks some people out in a major way, though), rosehip, and meadowfoam.
  
  Anyway, this has turned into a comment of gargantuan proportions, but I hope this helps you in some way, shape, or form. In general, I really recommend using the search function, as there are droves of information on products, on pH-related stuff, on emollients/occlusives/humectants and what products contain which, etc. Don't forget to patch test any new products before putting them on your entire face, just to make sure they play nicely with your skin. I'd also be remiss if I didn't suggest adding in a sunscreen, but that's a topic for a whole different novel-sized comment.
  
  *Edited to add in a missing link

Top shelf:
Van Der Hagen shaving brush.
It actually works pretty well, and is my most commonly used one.
Art of Shaving sampler pack brush brush.
I like it, but it seems to take me a lot longer to build lather.
Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue.
Not much to say about it, the wife likes it!
Adidas Aftershave
I like the smell of this one, and it pairs pretty well with the D&G
Coates Lime Shaving Cream!
I love the smell of this stuff! I have Sandalwood too, but it mostly sits in my small chest of things I have for "Another day"
Feather blade bank
Keeps my trash bags from getting ripped open. I have been using it for over a year, and it isn't even half way full yet.

Middle Shelf:
Lady Gillette Safety Razor
This one is the Wife's she loves it and uses it exclusively after she realised how much better it was over cartridges! It did take a while for her to stop thinking that she was going to Sweeny Todd her legs with one.
Gillette Knack Safety Razor
I use this one pretty much every shave. It is fairly mild, but paired with some Sharks it really works well for me!
No Name razor I picked up at an Indian Bazaar for $3.
It has about a 2 inch gap(exaggerating here, but it is huge!) between the blade and the head, so I haven't used it and probably won't! But it is pretty on the shelf!
Styptic Pencil
It works! And gets used!

Bottom Shelf:
Gillette Travel Tech
It has a small mirror inside and an old pack of Gillette blades. Nothing real special but I like it! I haven't shaved with it yet, the handle seems too short.
The rest of TAoS Starter Kit
I haven't used any of these yet, I still have my own soaps, so these kinda just sit around... I should try em though!
Gillette 40s Style Super Speed
I got this off an ebay auction, I haven't tried it out yet either. It came in great shape though! And I plan on giving it a test run tonight!
Gillette Milord
Apparently, it is the same razor as the Super Speed, but with gold plating. Also came in great shape, and I haven't tried it out either!
Shark DE Blades
These are my go to blades! I love em!
Wilkinson Sword Classics
I was buying these guys at Walmart, and I loved em! But then I got Sharks and I haven't had to buy anything else because of how many Sharks I still have left over!
Merkur Blades
I haven't tried these, I honestly have no idea how they came into my possession. They look nice though!
Alum Block
It works great!

I have been wet shaving with a DE since OCT 2013. It was the best decision I have made when it comes to shaving. I will answer your questions from the things that have worked for me. Just know that everything is different for everyone. Once you find something that works stick with it for a while and change little at a time.

1a: Brush/Stand. I purchased this set just to get my feet wet with DE shaving. I liked it, but it was cheap and lacked the adjustability that I wanted. I did keep the brush and stand. I always get a great lather with the brush and it is really soft. It is just as good as when I bought it. I shave everyday that I work.

1b: Handle. I started with the cheap handle that I listed above...it was not adjustable. I wanted an adjustable and bought a Merkur Futur. I love it.

1c: Blades. This is hard to recommend to someone. Get yourself one of many sample packs. Everyone likes different blades. Just try them all out. They are cheap. I chose based on the one that I cut my self with the least while giving be the best shave. Your probably going to cut yourself. It will go away with experience. I settled on the Astra Platinum blades. They are cheap on amazon with prime shipping.

1d: Soap. I am a huge fan of Proraso Shaving Cream. I have tried them all! But they are all I have tried. A tube last me a long time. My routine is to fill up an over sized coffee cup with hot water twice from my Keurig (No hot hot water in the morning due to my apartment) and poor it into the sink. Dunk my brush in the water and shake it off lightly. Put a dime sized blob of cream on the brush and make a lather in the over sized coffee cup.

1e: Pre/After Shave. I do not use any pre shave products. I just use the lather that i make and message it onto my face. Its really hot and frothy. I have tried all of Proraso's after shave products. The only one that I liked was the blue after shave balm. It didn't dry out my face like the others. Since then I have settled on Gillette Series Sensitive Skin After Shave Gel because it leaves my face feeling great, its cheap, and the better half loves the way it smells.

2: In my experience the razor (handle) makes a huge difference. I got to the point where I was not cutting myself at all with my first handle. Then I switched. I can shave quickly and comfortably because I found the setting that I really like (number 3 on the Futur). I also really like the way the blade is put into the handle. The top of the Futur pops off rather than having to unscrew the handle to change blades.

3: I answered this in section 1c.

4: I don't have too much info on this topic. I do know not to store your brush with the bristles in the air when it is wet (a stand will prevent this). Dry your razor off the best you can after use. Rinse a brush out thoroughly after use. I use a new blade each shave.

5: When I first started with a DE I watched a couple of Michael Freedberg's to get me started. Then I just did what was best for me.

The best thing that I can recommend for you is this. Figure out why you want to change to DE shaving. We already know its a better shave than using a cartridge. For me it was to be able to use a new razor blade for every shave and not spending a lot of money for those blades. I try to do this as cheaply as possibly. I had a big initial investment on the handle but it has since paid for itself by not buying cartridges. I found what works for me early on and stuck with it. I can have the same consistent shave everyday in 10 minutes because I have had the same routine for a while now.

Ok i'm back now,

I treated myself to this for being a good girl ;)
https://www.edwinjagger.co.uk/edwin-jagger-pearl-effect-pink-de-razor.html

&
https://www.edwinjagger.co.uk/edwin-jagger-lady-s-shaving-brush-pink.html

&
https://www.edwinjagger.co.uk/edwin-jagger-aloe-vera-shaving-soap-65g.html

Went a little fancy here but you can get the same results with a similar setup.
These work wonders if you need to do the face.

The thing i like about this is i can through blades and it won't cost me much, as in i bought 100 blades for $10USD off amazon* which is cheap compared to conventional cartridge razors. This means that since i will be going through them quite quickly if i do large things like legs kinda frequently, i can use a new blade each time if i like. However i try to use them a few times to truly get my moneys worth.

The shaving soap will last forever like years, well a very long time and so will the Brush as well as the DE razor itself. The soap is nice and natural but can be a little tricky to lather up into a big heap quickly so that's why there is shaving cream. E.g https://www.edwinjagger.co.uk/edwin-jagger-aloe-vera-shaving-cream-100ml.html
I might get one like this in the future but will try out my free testpot of the stuff that i got with the rest of the items before i lash out and buy the tub.

I use a rectangular bowl to swish out the razor once i have passed it a couple of times over the area being shaved. I also have a nice 900ml baking bowl to create the lather in.

I just now did my first waxing of my underarms because shaving was not doing a very good job as in i could still see the follicles under the skin. I can tell you that waxing my underarms may have just been the most satisfying thing i have ever done and the sharp then warm pain was.... nice too ah the squealing ;) not like the horrible epilator, omg.
I just used some disposable wax strips that i got on sale like 1/3 the price of all the stuff in the grocery stores work pretty good might have to use them on some other areas that epilating is out of the question atm. I plan on stocking up on these as well. Don't use them on the face tho.

My first shaver like a year ago was one of the Schick Hydro ones and i didn't really know what i was doing and obviously didn't know that they get blunt (silly me) it was snagging on the hair and hurt like hell but i thought that this was how it was. lol

I always recommend shaving in the shower. You can even use hair conditioner as a substitute for creams or soaps or even as a pre shave to soften up the hairs just apply wait rinse then apply what ever cream or soap then shave. I would recommend using a bath glove/exfoliating glove to cleanse the skin before shaving. You may also want to look at some form of antiseptic like tea tree oil or aloe vera as well as a good moisturiser to apply right after shaving.

• https://smile.amazon.com/Astra-Platinum-Double-Safety-Blades/dp/B001QY8QXM/ref=pd_bxgy_194_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=6B59GHGZS4Q9NA8HP53M&th=1
  
  
  
  
  Omg i need to make a post about this, i might compile a whole bunch of my comments that i have done in the last couple of days (check comment history) on shaving and do a series of posts to help out peps using the search bar on this sub.
  
  Any other questions please just ask, hope there isn't too many errors in there :)
  
  
  

Always recommend the cera ve SA renewal cleanser. It’s amazing and events your skin and brightens it. I actually use the SA renewal body wash, you get a lot and I can use it on my face as well. The Cera Ve SA body lotion is also love, sometimes I use it on my face. Makes body super smooth, these two are dream team.

I think the dream routine:

Am:

• cera ve SA acid cleanser
  
• Son&Parks Beauty Water Toner
  
• niod multi-molecular HA serum 15 types of HA.
  
• stratias liquid gold
  
• shishoedo mineral uv gel SPF50++++
  
  Pm:
  
• Sunday Riley Blue moon cleansing balm Blue Tansy for redness OR if you like oils, KOSE softymo SPEEDY cleansing oil
  
• cera ve SA cleanser with Clarisonic
  
• biologique Recherche pm400 or regular p50 toner or cheaper alternative tarte knockout tingle treatment
  
• niode HA serum
  -melazepam 20% important and alternate between this and Retin a, but not everyone can handle either of these. But it goes to say these are anti-aging power horses
  
• Holy Snails Sauce Di Mois in Hangbang/spooky shark or whatever works for you.
  
• an oil, Squalene, seabuckthorn, rosehip, jojoba, rotate what works.
  
• an occlusive, like embroliysse concentrated lait creme , cera ve healing ointment , skinfix 12 hour miracle ointment All of these are better than basic Vaseline or squalor.
  
  Great products:
  
  
• to 10% lactic acid in spheres
  
• skinceutics vitamin c in feurlic acid (super $, results worthy).
  
• timeless vit c serum (affordable)
  
• to 30% bha peel
  
• avene Blue Tansy Oil (knockoff of lapis Blue Tansy Oil for $12 vs $72) helps redness/moisturizes
  
• dr. Jart cicapair serum for redness
  
• Dr. Jart ceramidin serum plus the cream (use together for best results on rebuilding skin barrier if using actives).
  
• hada labo HA lotion/milky lotion or Hada Labo premium HA lotion (more moisture, not great for warmer months).
  Benton snail bee essence (the masks, steam pacts, everything..)
  
• peter Thomas Roth pumpkin enzyme mask (great chemical exfoliating and physical exfoliate mask that works)
  
• niod flavonne mud mask (super detoxing good for congested skin)
  
• kanebo soap powder (good ph, enzyme powered soap powder)
  
• aquaring ampoule mask (good ab face mask)
  
• Paula’s choice bha liquid
  
• cosrx bha blackhead liquid
  
• cosrx aha whitehead liquid
  
  Just a few products to think about. I am by no way saying jump and add any of these to your routine instantly. I’ve looked around and found a lot of, what I’d consider to be talked about products and decided to make it easier and list them for you.
  
  
  I think a basic SA cleanser like cera ve would be a good place to start, a good spf that is non-irritating. Find a moisturizing Oil thst your skin likes and then maybe start trying actives. Don’t go jumping in until you find a routine that calms your skin and that your skin really likes. Then start testing the waters with maybe azelic acid like melazepem (strongest you can get in us is on amazon) or vitamin c. Possible acid peel pads. We kind of have to know your skin type and current routine. Things that have worked and have not, and what you want out of a new skin routine— in order to give you better direction.

There really is no "best" razor, what qualifies as best varies from person to person. The Edwin Jagger DE89 series is widely recommended. Personally I don't like the EJ DE89, and I find that the Parker 99R gives me much more comfortable shaves. I also find the Parker to be much more forgiving when you are just starting to learn to use a safety razor as well. Either razor wouldn't be a bad place to start looking, though.

In terms of soap, I would personally recommend you start out with one of these kits: Van Der Hagen Deluxe Shave Kit. You get a decent bowl, brush & soap for about $10. None of the stuff in the kit is the best of anything, but it is all fairly middle of the road and a great value for the price. Once you have gotten the hang of DE shaving you can upgrade your brush and soap as needed.

The Strop Shoppe also makes great soaps, and they have an incredibly reasonably priced sampler that is worth picking up. I also like Queen Charlotte Soaps quite a bit, and they also have a reasonably priced sampler.

You will need a pack of blades, right now I am enjoying Wilkinson Sword (which you might be able to get locally) but there are various blade samplers that are worth checking out.

• [West Coast Shaving](http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Sample-Packs_c_1.html}
  
• Shoebox Shave Shop
  
• Amazon
  
• BestShave.net
  
  There are tons of places that offer blade samplers if you look around. You will want to try a good number of blades so you can figure out which work best for you.
  
  Preshave treatments vary. Many people just wash their face in warm water and whatever soap they have on hand. Some people use a canned shave cream like Barbasol as a pre-shave soap (I have tried this and it works pretty good). MrGlo is a well respected preshave soap, but it can be hard to find and it is getting pricey due to its increasing rarity. If you are just starting out, you might wanna keep things simple and just use whatever soap you have on hand. You just want to make sure that you use a soap that won't dry your skin and you want your face slightly soap and wet before you apply your shave lather.
  
  After shaving you could follow up with Witch Hazel. Thayers is highly regarded, but you could use normal drug-store stuff as well, just look for low alcohol content. You might also want a styptic pencil which you should be able to get locally for $1-2. You might also consider an Alum Block instead of Witch Hazel.
  
  In terms of aftershave, there is a lot of variation bases on skin types and personal preference. I prefer Nivea for Men Post Shave Balm in the white bottle (not squeezable) as my skin tends to run a little dry and this has a nice gentle moisturizer. It also soothes razor burn quite well. However I know guys that swear by Every Man Jack products (they hurt me) so you will have to try things out to find what works for you. There are hundreds of specialty aftershaves people like, as well as all the common drugstore brands like Old Spice and Aqua Velva. If you have an aftershave that you are currently using, you might as well stick with it for now unless it really no longer meets your needs.
  
  I have a goatee and I have no problems whatsoever shaving around it. I don't know what to say beyond that, using a DE with a goatee is no more challenging than using a Mach3 in the same situation especially once you get your technique down.
  
  TL/DR
  
  My advice in everything is to start simple.
  
  
• Pick a good razor (The EJ & Parker I linked above are a good place to start)
  
• Buy the VDH kit I mention above. It is a good value and you should be able to find locally (Walmart, Target, CVS, most Grocery Stores all carry it).
  
• Buy a blade sampler.
  
• Buy a styptic (its better than toilette paper).
  
• Use whatever aftershave you were using before.
  
  Wait on everything else until you know if you really want to continue with DE shaving. This short list will get you started for about $40, and you can always pick up more stuff as you go along.

I have super dry skin that's also super sensitive. I have dry scalp and some scaly patches on my face that I've dealt with by being super gentle with my skin. First, I would recommend finding moisturizing products for sensitive skin. I highly suggest a hyaluronic acid based lotion, but you'll likely have to layer moisturizers to get what you want. It may also be helpful to use a hydrating cleanser or a good cleansing oil.

Basically, what i suggest is to try layering multiple simple products, based on what your skin needs.

What's worked for me when nothing else would:

Hada Labo Gokujyun Super Moist lotion Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. My skin requires this in the dry winter.

Ceracolla Super Moist Lotion This has ceramides that are super awesome for "unhealthy" skin.

Cremo Moisturizer This has Urea which is a mild exfoliant in small amounts... I love this stuff.

Burts Bees Sensitive Night Cream Generic night cream with ingredients that don't burn my face. It's not super moisturizing on it's own, but is great when layered.

Ceracolla Perfect Gel If your skin isn't super dry, this could work for hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

Boots Expert Sensitive hydrating serum This is super moisturizing, but breaks out my chin. It's actually the most moisturizing feeling of the bunch, but doesn't have a lot of "benefits"

Aquaphor: A thin layer overnight can make your skin feel great in the morning, and especially if you're not wearing makeup, it won't need to be washed off.

Bare minerals has a purely nourishing moisturizer which has great ingredients, except for lavender essential oil, which my skin does not like. It's in my skincare drawer for when my skin is healthy, but I'm nervous about considering using it.

Also: Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue tinted gel cream has been wonderful for my super dry skin. I apply it in the morning and do not apply powder (which never worked for me before) and it gives just enough coverage and leaves my skin looking nice. Also, I do find it quite moisturizing for a tinted moisturizer/foundation. The only issue is that it doesn't last on my chin so much, but I'm putting some in a bb cushion test out!

My acne is not as severe as yours, so I don't know if what I do would help you but we can give it a shot, right?

• I use CeraVe Foaming Cleanser in both mornings and nights to wash my face
  
• I don't use a BHA anymore
  
• I do use AHA, Alpha Hydrox 10% Glycolic in both morning and night
  
• I use a Salicylic Acid Peel 20% once a week, so far it has helped, I've only used it for two weeks
  
• After the peel, I use a MBD Black Pearl mask, mainly because it's soothing and very moisturizing, which is perfect after a peel.
  
• I moisturize with Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream. People here vastly recommend CeraVe Moisturizing Cream because it has ceramides and it's pretty good.
  
• For sunscreen, I tried Cetaphil Dermacontrol, it's too oily and I didn't like it because it stung my eyes. I tried L'Oreal Ideal Moisture with SPF, didn't like it because it was heavy. I tried both Biore Aqua Rich and Biore Perfect Face Milk I loved both thoroughly; they are light, milky, smooth, they feel great on the skin and stay matte like it's nobodies business.
  
• I use the Thayer Cucumber Witch Hazel toner. No reason in special for the cucumber aside from me loving how it smells. It has helped me some with redness and inflammation.
  
  My routine is as it follows:
  
  AM
  
  
• Cleanse with CeraVe
  
• Apply Witch Hazel toner
  
• After it dries, apply AHA, wait for it to absorb 20 min
  
• Apply Cetaphil Moisturizer
  
• Apply sunscreen
  
• Makeup if any
  
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  PM
  
  
• Remove makeup and sunscreen with Pond's Cold Cream cleanser
  
• Wash with CeraVe
  
• Apply witch hazel
  
• Apply AHA
  
• Moisturize
  
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  
  Every Friday night each week
  
  
• Wash with CeraVe
  
• Clean face with rubbing alcohol (my face is super oily)
  
• Apply Salicylic acid peel for 2:00 min
  
• Rinse acid
  
• Apply my beauty diary sheet mask for 20 min
  
• Moisturize with Cetaphil
  
• Apply thin layer of Aquaphor
  
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  
  And that's it, my skin has gotten way better and something that has also helped millions is that I went on the pill, since my acne is hormonal.
  
  Remember to patch test and to not abuse your skin, the gentler the better!!!! There are things that might or might not work for you, it takes a while to find what's best for your skin. If nothing works, you can always try PocketDerm or a dermatologist around your area, don't be afraid to ask for professional help. Good luck!
  
  

Like many people in the sub, I don't like most things with fragrances in it and your current routine is full of it. (Also, St. Ives scrub??? Don't you know it's the devil around here?! Jk, but seriously, there are better options). I would personally overall your entire routine and recommend on below. I was on accutane as well so I completely understand the dryness problem even after the course is over.

AM

1. Wash with water
   
   
2. Hydrating toner like this one Note, this is very different from your typical astringent Western toner. You pat this into your skin and leave it on instead of wiping it off.
   
   
3. A good moisturizer like Cerave PM lotion
   
   
4. Highly recommend a good sunscreen especially once you start to expand your routine to include aha/bha in order to help improve your acne
   AM
   
   PM
   
   
5. Clean with a oil cleanser. Oil help remove the sunscreen and all the oil soluble impurities on your face. This includes the skin oil naturally produced by your face called sebum. The acne causing bacteria feed on sebum, so excess sebum will cause you to be prone to breakouts. I would recommend something like Kose Deep Cleansing Oil (rice bran + mineral oil) or DHC (olive oil). Using regular oil straight up is fine, you will just have a bitch of a time washing it off without an emulsifier.
   
   
6. pH Balanced Cleanser. Our skin is naturally acidic to prevent nasty microbes from getting into our mushy parts. Disrupting the pH of our skin will cause compromised moisture barrier and, you guessed it, acne. I really like the Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser (creamy ones because it is less stripping than foamy ones and does not contain fragrance) and the Cerave Hydrating cleanser.
   
   
7. Any actives like AHA/BHA (only include this step once your skin is hardy enough, and you have a good sunscreen to help prevent the increase photo-sensitivity). Depending on your progress you may not need to worry about it for a long time.
   
   
8. Hydrating toner as I mentioned before, it will do wonders for your dry patches.
   
   
   
9. A good moisturizer. Cerave is beloved here.
   
   
10. Occlusive. Vaseline does wonders for dry patches and calming down inflamed acne. Contrary to popular myths, it is completely safe (triple filtered) and do not clog pores (it's too big to do that). If you don't like the way it feels all over your face you can try using a thinner layer/just use it on the dry spots.
    
    Hope that was helpful! :)
    
    Edit: Debugging.
    

BUY A SAFETY RAZOR

Seriously. You'll save boatloads of money and you'll give yourself the best shave of your life. The initial start-up is a bit of an investment (~$50), but after that you'll only pay about $20-30 per year.

Buy a safety razor. This is a perfectly good one for $20 on Amazon. They can last your lifetime.

Next, buy these 100-count razor blades for $10 on Amazon. You can get 3-6 excellent shaves out of a blade before needing to change it. If you're not picky about a super close shave, you can get 10+. That's 300-600 excellent shaves for $10. Or 1,000+ okay shaves for $10.

Now of course, if you go the safety razor route, you'll also want to buy a brush and shaving soap. First the brush. Brushes come with either boar hair or badger hair. Badger hair is superior quality, but's naturally more expensive. Boar hair is perfectly sufficient, it's just not quite as smooth or durable. If your want to try this whole straight razor thing out for a while first before investing any more money than necessary, go with a boar hair brush. You can find them pretty easily at Wal-Mart and Target these days for $5-10, but here's one on Amazon for $11. You may be able to find one for cheaper -- I only spent a few seconds searching.

Next we have the soap. Personally, I'm a big fan of Proraso Shaving Soap for $10 on Amazon -- it comes with its own bowl, so no need to buy one. Naturally it depends on how often you shave, but these last quite a while. I shave 2-3 times per week and I probably go through maybe three a year. There are of course many options - you can also consider buying the solid soap bars that go in a little bowl. I feel like these last even longer. I think I once bought a 3-pack for $15. It lasted me almost 2 years.

Alternatively, many vendors and stores sell combo packs that will include all or most of these components. I know I've seen them at Target and Wal-Mart. I can't attest to the quality, but I'm sure they're perfectly acceptable for a newbie that wants to try it out and see if he likes it. If you decide any of the individual components aren't meeting your standards, you can easily buy an upgrade on Amazon.

Switch to a safety razor. I implore you. It's the best and closest shave you'll ever give yourself - and it costs a fraction of what the stupid Gillette, etc., razors cost.

Watches (Seiko & Omega, net spent is only like $500)

Fountain Pens (although, so far, I've just been browsing -- saving for a Faber Castell to get started, haha). Mostly because I try (and fail) to draw a lot (also I have a douchier, even worse version of that pic here. Don't ask why.). But I need a refill on pencils first.

Photography - Nikon D5200 w/ a couple of lenses - want but can't afford a Sony A7 (I find myself shooting in the dark a lot), and might end up getting a prime lens soon.

Computers (Used to be for gaming, now it's mainly for photography.) For the heck of it, I'll detail my build - I have an EVGA GeForce GTX 780Ti Superclocked, 16GB Corsair Vengeance DDR3-1600mhz RAM, an Intel core i7-4771 (runs base 3.5GHZ, no overclocking needed), and an Asus Sabertooth Z87 mobo. All displayed on a rather mediocre Samsung S27C750P 27" 1080P monitor, but it's done well for being a 'cheap' monitor. This has been my most expensive hobby, thus far, but also probably the most beneficial. In the future, though, I'd rather put the $2k spent building towards getting a 'real' watch.

Headphones (AudioTechnica has my heart, but there are better brands / headphones out there -- I have the M50 model, but the M50x has a detachable cord, and the same audio quality, and is currently on sale for $100. They use regular 3.5mm jacks, with a gold-plated .25" that can screw on over it to use other audio systems. I don't go all out in this area, and don't use any sort of sound-card or box). Plus with soundcloud there's an abundance of free music.

Coffee (Start doing it right, and all the other hobbies will benefit! Except you'll have no more money. Buy fresh, preferably local-roasted beans. Buy a french press if you're on a budget, or a $5000 espresso-handjob machine if you aren't. Or just go support your local coffee shops.).

Someone else mentioned mechanical keyboards, down below, and I got a Das 4 (w/ cherry mx blue's) recently, so I suppose I can list that as well. I do a lot of random writing - that is, I'll have an idea, start writing something, get about 2,500 words in, and then abandon it forever. About like how I draw.

But I really suggest drawing and music. Very therapeutic, and they don't have to be expensive to be enjoyable. Also, I loveCars because of local car-meets - they're great places go and get some pretty neat photos. Look up "[your nearest city] cars and coffee]" and you should be able to find a nice monthly or weekly meet up. There was a great one in Charlotte that I went to pretty often, and the stuff where I am now isn't too bad either. The people are usually pretty cool too.


All that said, can you recommend me any pens?

Edit: Also, just because of your fondness for fountain pens, you might find DE razors to be the preferable way to shave - pick up one of these, a few of these (platinum coated is razor sharp - but that means no cuts, because you use hardly any pressure). And then, of course, a pure/best/super badger brush, depending on your budget, and some proper English shaving product (I use Taylor of Old Bond Street, because of prices, and they do perfectly fine). It's not really a 'hobby', but there's ample room to get into it and it's definitely a more enjoyable way to start your morning.

Antioxidants:

• Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% ($7.90 for 30ml)
  
  
  • Andalou Naturals Blossom + Leaf Toner ($12.95 for 178ml) - resveratrol, CoQ10
    
    
  • Mad Hippie Face Cream ($26 for 30ml) - resveratrol, matrixyl synth'6, syn-tacks, CoQ10, niacinamide ($$)
    
    
  • Mad Hippie Hydrating Nutrient Mist ($20 for 120ml) - resveratrol, SAP, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid
    
    
• EUK 134 0.1%
  
  
• Alpha Lipoic Acid 5% ($6.80 for 30ml)
  
  
  • Derma E Firming DMAE Serum, Alpha Lipoic Acid and C-Ester ($18 for 60ml)
    
    
  • Derma E Firming DMAE Toner, Alpha Lipoic Acid and C-Ester ($12 for 175ml)
    
    Hydrators & Oils:
    
    
• Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($6.80 for 30ml) - several types of HA
  
  
  • Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion ($13 for 170ml) - five types of HA
    
    
  • Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion Moist ($13.84 for 170ml) - several types of HA
    
    
  • Timeless Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($8.95 for 30ml)
    
    
  • Trader Joe's Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum ($8.99 for 30ml)
    
    
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA ($7.70 for 100ml)
  
  
  • CeraVe Baby Lotion ($9.49 for 237ml) - I haven't used NMF but CeraVe Baby Lotion might be similar. It has ceramides,
    fatty alcohols, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, all the good stuff, and it dries down matte and very cosmetically elegant. review
    
    
  • CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($12.19 for 473ml) - "closely resembles the texture, finish, absorbability and LIGHT hydrating, mostly daytime-occlusive effects, without being very emollient." - /u/lgbtqbbq
    
    
• 100% Plant-Derived Squalane ($7.90 for 30ml)
  
  
  • Lotion Crafter Squalane Oil ($9.68 for 50.28ml) - plant-derived
    
    
  • Garden of Wisdom Squalane Oil ($10.05 for 60ml) - plant-derived
    
    
  • Lotion Crafter Squalane Oil ($9.68 for 50.28ml) - plant-derived
    
    
  • Lotion Crafter Neoassance Squalane Oil ($7.75 for 50.28ml) - sugar-derived
    
    
  • Timeless Squalane Oil ($13.95 for 60ml)
    
    
  • Skin Actives Squalane Oil ($28 for 120ml) (cheaper but bulk)
    
    
• 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil ($9.80 for 30ml)
  
  
  • Lotion Crafter Rose Hip Seed Oil ($5.25 for 30ml)
    
    
  • H&B Rosehip Seed Oil Unrefined ($6.19 for 30ml; bulk sizes available) & Refined ($6.99 for 60ml)
    
    
  • Life-Flo Rose Hip Seed Oil ($8.59 for 30ml)
    
    
  • Garden of Wisdom Rose Hip Seed Oil ($8.65 for 30ml)
    
    
  • Skin Actives Rose Hip Seed Oil ($31.50 for 120ml) (cheaper but bulk)
    
    
• 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil ($6.80 for 30ml)
  
  
  • H&B Unrefined Argan Oil ($6.99 for 60ml) & Refined ($6.49 for 60ml)
    
    
  • Trader Joe's 100% Organic Argan Oil ($6.99 for 50.28ml)
    
    
  • Timeless Argan Oil ($8.95 for 30ml)
    
    
  • Lotion Crafter Argan Oil ($9.20 for 30ml)
    
    
  • Garden of Wisdom Argan Oil ($9.65 for 30ml)
    
    
  • Making Cosmetics Virgin Cold-Pressed Argan Oil ($15.90 for 125ml) (cheaper but bulk)
    
    
  • Skin Actives Argan Oil ($25 for 120ml) (cheaper but bulk)
    
    
• 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil ($9.90 for 30ml)
  
  
  • The Herbarie Marula Oil ($6.50 for 30ml)
    
    
  • From Nature With Love Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil ($6.83 for 30ml)
    
    
  • Acure Marula Oil ($11 for 30ml)
    
    
  • Garden of Wisdom Marula Oil ($12.90 for 30ml)
    
    More Molecules:
    
    
• Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($5.90 for 30ml)
  
  
  • Skinlex 10% Niacinamide ($13.60 for 60ml) - also contains NAG, which works synergistically with niacinamide to give you the most bang for your buck; Minimalistic and Extended versions
    
    
  • COSRX Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence ($20 for 100ml) - 2% niacinamide
    
    
• "Buffet" ($14.80 for 30ml) (peptide serum)
  
  
  • Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Turbo Line Smoothing Toning Lotion ($38 for 200ml) - I was not expecting a PTR product to beat out TO, but here we are. Wish it came in smaller sizes, but if you're committed to peptides this is a way better deal (if scaled up, TO would cost ~$99) Comparison of first 20 ingredients, shared ingredients in blue, PTR extra peptides in salmon
    
    
  • Mizon Peptide 500 ($18 for 30ml)
    
    
  • GoW Nutritional Anti-Inflammatory Peptide Serum ($7.90 for .25oz) ($$)
    
    
• Matrixyl 10% + HA ($11.50 for 30ml)
  
  
  • Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Turbo Line Smoothing Toning Lotion ($38 for 200ml)
    
    
  • Timeless Matrixyl 3000 ($24 for 30ml) - 8% Matrixyl 3000 ($$)
    
    
  • Timeless CoQ10 ($25 for 30ml) - 8% Matrixyl 3000, Hylaronic Acid, Vitamin E and Ubiquinone
    
    
  • GoW Matrix Majik AntiAging Serum ($8.90 for 0.25oz) ($$)
    
    
• Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA ($8.90 for 30ml)
  
  
  • Skinlex Alpha Arbutin 2% ($13.60 for 60ml)
    
    
  • Hada Labo Shirojyun Arbutin Lotion ($12 for 170ml)
    
    
  • InstaNaturals Skin Brightening Serum ($18 for 30ml) - SAP + Niacinamide + Alpha Arbutin + Licorice root
    
    
• Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG ($6.70 for 30ml)
  
  
  • Alba Fast Fix for Puffy Eyes ($4 for 7ml)
    
    
  • GoW Eyes on Me Cooling Eye Serum ($9.65 for 0.5oz) ($$)
    
    
  • Splash your face with iced coffee while stuck in traffic on your way to work cuz nobody knows how to feckin MERGE HOLYSHIT ($2.79 for a Large at Dunkin Donuts)
    
    
• Argireline Solution 10% ($7.90 for 30ml)
  
  
  • Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Turbo Line Smoothing Toning Lotion ($38 for 200ml)
    
    
  • GoW Targeted Wrinkle Relaxer ($8.40 for 0.25oz) ($$)
    
    
  • IQ Naturals Argireline + Matrixyl 3000 Fine Line Serum ($18 for 30ml) (haven't heard of this brand, but found on FutureDerm and look at their heckin cute hyaluronic acid jug)

Firstly, ditch both the Apricot scrub and the Garnier. You're better off using nothing at all rather than those. It's like saying, "I'm trying to start drinking more water, but I'm going to get through this bottle of vodka first to save money." It's counterproductive.

1. Leave your breakouts alone. Don't touch them. Consider putting hydrocolloid bandages on them.
   
   
2. Yes. After you've switched to your new cleanser, use it for two weeks and make sure you're don't have any negative reactions to it. Then add in an exfoliant. I suggest starting with Paula's Choice 1% BHA Lotion. Use it at night between cleansing and moisturizing for two weeks. Monitor your skin carefully for signs of irritation, redness, or flakiness. If all is well, up it to twice a day. Try this for two weeks. If you notice any irritation, cut back to once a day. This is the lower strength formula, so if you use it twice a day and you're seeing some improvement but not as much as you want, you can consider purchasing the 2% next time. Because of your eczema and skin sensitivities, I'd like to start you on the lower strength first though.
   
   
3. Yes, you need to wear sunscreen. It's not just being outside, it's any time you're exposed to daylight (coming in the windows, driving a car, etc.) Even if it were just 30 minutes a day of exposure, yes, you need sunscreen. Eczema can be tricky - you never know what will set it off. That said, try Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30. I would introduce this before the you start using an exfoliant because proper suncare is the number one thing you can do to protect your skin. So switch cleansers -> two week test period -> replace morning moisturizer with this SPF -> two week test period -> BHA once a day -> two week test period -> BHA twice a day. Got it? :)
   
   
4. No. Vitamin pills don't do anything and are actually contraindicated for some disorders. We're not allowed to give dietary advice on here, but the best I can say is that if you want vitamins to be effective in your body, you need to consume them in whole foods.
   
   
5. By blackheads, do you mean sebaceous filaments? The BHA I suggested will help.
   
   
6. A lot of dark circles is just genetics. Eye cream is a waste of money. There's nothing special about eye creams that you can't get from a moisturizer. The number one thing you can do is...wait for it...wear sunscreen every day. Seriously. Always wear sunscreen and sunglasses when you're outdoors. After you finish testing all your other products, consider adding the Paula's Choice Resist Skin Brightener under your eyes after your exfoliant and before your moisturizer twice a day (again, work up to it with two-week test periods). I've been using this for a while and have seen a very slight improvement. The best piece of advice for getting rid of dark circles is to invest in a good concealer to hide them! If you're willing to fork over the cash, the Q-switched ruby laser is an effective treatment.
   
   
7. "toner" has no real meaning other than a liquid you put on your face. There are a TON of awful toners, and some quite good ones as well. The best toners will help replenish ingredients stripped by cleansing as well as introduce other beneficial chemicals to your skin. For you, I might try the Paula's Choice Clinical Redness Relief. This is what I use for my toner as well. It comes after cleansing and before exfoliating. Remember that if you introduce new products, you need to do them one at a time with a two week test period in between.
   
   I hope this has helped! Let me know if you need clarification or if you have any other questions! <3

Went through the same thing recently. It was actually what brought me to this sub. At first it was just damage control but eventually I started an actual routine and saw a major improvement.

For now invest in hydrocolloid bandages they were and still are my saving grace.http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BRGUNV2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I actually have these set up to auto deliver every other week. These are basically blister bandages, search this sub for them and you will see they are a little plastic miracle. Basically they suck the gunk out of zits, I use them on deep under the skin hormonally charged beasties and they REALLY make a difference, in severity, duration, and healing. I am very pale so any and every spot or bump sticks out like a spotlight. I put these zit stickers on every single spot that even looks like it may even think about being a zit someday.

I also snagged a 2.5% bp to spot treat, I have dry skin so I can't go slathering this stuff just anywhere.http://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/skin-care-categories/targeted-treatments/_/Clear-Regular-Strength-Daily-Skin-Clearing-Treatment/ I got the trial size in June and I still have oodles left. I put a dab on a qtip and apply only to the zit itself.

Stay moisturized, this may seem counter intuitive but slather yourself in lotion. The better the hydration the quicker the healing. I don't have any oily skin suggestions as I am SUPER dry, but if you search this subreddit there are plenty of solid suggestions for oily skin.

Definitely check out OCM(oil cleansing method) there is a link to this in the side bar, it can feel overwhelming when you first read about it but this stuff really helped my skin. I use evening primrose oil mixed with other moisturizing oils. Evening primrose sounds like witchy hoodoo but it has made such a huge difference in my skin. I am super, super fair skinned. The girls in sephora run away when they see me coming and this has helped with redness and scarring SOOOO much. Give this a search as well.

Try adding a BHA and AHA, BHA is great for acne as it exfoliates inside the pore. AHA exfoliates closer to the surface of the skin, great for surface issues such as discoloration and scarring. My trick for remembering this in the beginning was BHA is Beneath the skin and AHA is Above. Personally I use both. Check out paulaschoice.com they have a cult following for good reason, they offer sample sizes of everything they offer so go sample crazy before investing in the big sizes. I use their 2% BHA liquid and 10%AHA liquid and love them both. I started with BHA to tackle my acne and a few weeks later I added paulas choice 8% AHA gel to help with scarring and dry skin issues. I loved it so much I eventually moved up to their 10% option.

You will want to add the oil cleansing, BHA, AHA and even your moisturizer one at a time. Make sure to test each on a small patch of skin first, nothing worse then jumping head first and having a bad reaction because then you have no idea which item caused it.

Feel free to message me with questions and what not :]

Razor: I started with this Merkur razor (and I'm still using it after two years). Edwin Jagger is probably equally popular, but I haven't tried them.

Brush/bowl: I was given this bowl/soap/brush/holder kit as a gift and still use it, but the brush broke after about a year (I could probably fix it with some good glue but haven't bothered yet. The holder is nice, but you might be able to find just a brush and bowl separately slightly cheaper if you're on a budget. I didn't use the soap in the kit because:

Soap: Proraso soap was suggested and I ended up liking it a lot. Some people like to buy sampler packs of soap/cream as well, but this was good enough for me, and it would take me forever to get through samples. This Proraso got me through 15 months with an average of one shave per week.

Blades: I started out with a sampler pack of blades from Maggard Razors, and Gillette Silver Blue and Gillette 7 O'Clock (both yellow and green were the same to me) ended up being the easiest on my face. I tried Feather, but they were way too harsh at first, I think because I hadn't really gotten the technique down yet. Gillette was more forgiving, but once I got better at shaving, I was able to use Feathers.

Other: Lastly, I really like using an alum stick after shaving to help close up pores/tiny nicks (weepers), but they're not necessary. I also now use Shave Secret as a first layer when I start my second pass (against the grain). Again, not necessary, but I think it helps me personally a little to have that extra layer of protection to prevent razor burn. It does gunk up your razor a little, though, so just be sure to keep it clean.

--------------------------

I still only shave once a week, and I have a 3 day minimum in between shaves, otherwise I'll still get razor burn. Read up on some info in /r/wicked_edge. /u/Leisureguy has a ton of great comments in that sub. Sort his comment history by top, and you'll get plenty of good advice right off the bat. He also has a blog. My best tips: Make sure you use a shallow angle (as opposed to the perpendicular/90-degree shave you're used to with cartridge razors), and don't let your lather be too dry. Also, if your area has hard water, consider using distilled water to make your lather. Maggard Razors has been really great at shipping fast and having good prices for me and carries everything I mentioned, but there several reputable online shops. I know lots of people prefer to use Amazon, so I linked everything on Amazon except the blade sampler pack.

There are a variety of ingredients, methods, and products that could potentially help you. The problem is everyone is different, so it will have to be a careful trial and error (and patience over a period of time) before you can pinpoint the right solution for you and what the original cause was.

If you're going to try products, I highly recommend you buy small sample sizes if possible and try them out one or two at a time. Be careful and start small, especially with active ingredients. They're quite potent, which means they give powerful positive results, but you can also risk overusing them or using them in a dangerous combination. So do your research about correct application and be careful.

• BHA (salicylic acid), such as Paula's Choice or Stridex. A very popular ingredient with a great track record in preventing/clearing acne, clearing acne scars, and generally improving texture, tone, and color. I would recommend getting sample sizes of these to start.
  
• Azelaic acid is another great way to tackle both acne and scars. Paula's Choice has a great azelaic acid + salicylic acid combo that I highly recommend.
  
• Vitamin C. Can help greatly with acne scars. Paula's Choice, The Ordinary.
  
• Sulphur is known to be antibacterial and a mask containing sulphur can help suppress breakouts. But most likely will not help with scarring. Sunday Riley Saturn mask helped a few people I know with cystic breakouts.
  
• Differin. Contains adapalene which is known to clear and prevent acne. Be really careful and don't use with exfoliants.
  
• Benzoyl peroxide. Pretty commonly used to clear and prevent acne, but it has the unfortunate affect of bleaching clothes/pillows/etc and can be pretty strong. Paula's Choice.
  
• Aquaphor/vaseline/hyaluronic acid. It's possible your moisture barrier is not doing so well right now. Counterintuitively, being too dry can exacerbate acne. Also, if you're using exfoliants or other active ingredients, you'll want to make sure to stay hydrated and moisturized. Aquaphor, HA. Also recommend this Hado Labo HA cleanser and oil cleanser for a very hydrating double cleanse.
  
• Sunscreen. You don't mention it but you should be wearing a daily sunscreen that's non-comedogenic, especially if you are trying any of the products above. La-Roche Posay, Elta MD, Neutrogena.
  
  The list goes on and on but you can start your research here.
  
  To eliminate causes, pay attention to when you have breakouts. Make sure the products you're currently using are a good pH and aren't breaking you out to begin with. Don't eat dairy for a long while until you know it doesn't cause the breakouts.
  
  Hormonal acne is most often clustered on chin and jawline, is often cystic, and often flares up once a month (aka period). If that describes you, you might want to talk to a doctor or dermatologist about whether it's hormonal or not, because there are treatments for that, such as birth control or spearmint tea.

I switched to a Merkur safty razor about 3 months ago (I used the same vibrating nonsense Fusion razor previously). I've been very happy with it. Shaving takes longer, but I get a better shave, and it's more enjoyable. I think I've nicked my face twice since I started. If you go slow you'll be fine.

I'd recommend checking out some of the forums like Badger and Blade and some youtube videos like mantic59's

Keep in mind, especially on the forums, there are some self righteous nuts who take themselves and their shaving method a little too seriously. It's not a big problem, but be aware so you don't get put off by it.

I got all my stuff on amazon (because I have a prime membership), But west coast shaving is a favorite of many. A usual recommendation is to get one of their blade samplers, so you can see what works for you. I like Derby extras, but blades are a personal preference thing. Most people will tell you to stay away from feather blades when you're first starting. I haven't had a problem with them, but my razor isn't super aggressive and my face isn't overly sensitive.

You have to get your technique down before you'll get good shaves, and that takes a while. The most helpful advice I got was to lock your wrist and make all the movement with your upper arm. This helps you to keep a consistent angle, and was really helpful for me.

Is it more economical? It can be, blades are much cheaper than modern cartridges. Especially once you figure out what type of blades you like, you can buy in larger quantities and get a better discount. The initial outlay is higher though, you'll need shaving soap or cream, a razor, blades, and a decent brush.

On the subject of shaving brushes, most people will recommend you get a badger hair brush. I have both a moderate quality badger brush and a cheap boar brush, and really, I like both. One of the good things about using a shave brush is that it scrubs your face, and a boar brush will do this far more aggressively. feels good man. The badger brushes are softer, and hold more water for a nicer lather. So it's something you'll have to try for yourself.

So if you have $100 to spend, I'd probably go:

razor
brush
blades
cream (if you're not opposed to menthol, proraso if very nice)

So it's not super cheap to get into, but the razor will last forever unless you take an angle grinder to it, the brush will last pretty much forever if you treat it right. You get 40 blades for $16 (compare to 4 blades for the same price for a cartridge) and the proraso is a big ass tube that will last you a long time.

Hopefully that was all coherent enough to be useful.

*edit
Also, Buying shaving stuff can be addicting. Looking around at this stuff makes me want to spend at least $400,000 on razors and brushes and shaving creams. beware.

I am very certain that you have dehydrated skin. Not the same as dry skin, though you may have that, too. Tight feeling skin, getting very oily very quickly, redness. Oily and dry at the same time. Your moisture barrier has been compromised. This will take time and patience to repair, but believe me, it is worth it. I once had very similar skin.

Fair warning, I myself use a mostly AB routine, and my product suggestions will reflect that.

Find a simple low pH cleanser. I like this one because it's cheap, easy to find, and lasts forever. Cleanse twice daily, with tepid water.

(I am a fan of the double cleansing method when wearing foundation and/or sunscreen. You can learn more about that here.)

Then I would work on finding light hydration that doesn't break you out. I have found that my skin absolutely loves multiple layers of light hydration. And that was key to restoring my barrier. Just putting one thick heavy layer didn't work because my skin couldn't/wouldn't do anything with it. But multiple light layers was something my skin could work with.

This, this, this, this, and this are all super suggestions. Pretty simple, basic, and gentle choices. No, you don't need to go buy all of them. Try one. See how your skin likes it after several weeks. Maybe add another. Or, some people like adding multiple layers of the same product.

Then find a humectant to layer on top, to seal moisture in. This is a very popular one. This, this, this, and this are all good choices.

Once you find a routine that your skin seems to like, stick with it for a few months. Like...3 to 6 months. It won't be an immediate fix. But over time you'll start to notice less of the tight feeling, less of the dry thin skin with an oil slick on top, less redness. Only then will you be able to see what your real skin type is. Maybe you start to see more dryness or flakiness, and the oil slick goes away. Then maybe you have drier skin. Or maybe the tight and dry feeling goes away but the oiliness stays. Then maybe you have oily skin. But until you heal your moisture barrier, nothing you throw at your skin will do any good.

1. How many times should one cleanse each day? twice
   
   
2. After washing your face and putting on moisturizer, is it normal for your skin to still feel slightly tight and dry? no
   
   
3. When moisturizing my face, if I use something more watery it just feels like it dries up and takes all the moisture from my skin leaving it dry. Is this supposed to be normal? no
   
   
4. If I put on more moisturizer afterwards, the oiliness gets too much and my face turns red. When that happens should I cleanse again and put more moisturizer on? Or should I use a cloth or something similar to wipe my face instead? keep blotting sheets on hand and blot at the oiliness (no rubbing)
   
   
5. What should I be doing if my skin turns red and irritated? this is a sign that your skin is damaged - find gentle products that restore balance
   
   
6. If I put on sunscreen my face gets oilier but still remains dry. What should I do during times like that? again, this should get better as your skin gets stronger
   
   
7. How many times should one be using 8~10% AHA per week? if I were you, I would stop using this, at least for several months
   
   
8. Would you agree that dry skin is generally darker and tougher and oily skin is reddish and blotchy? no, I think those are unrelated

i reccomend heading over to r/asianbeauty
a common thing glosses over in western skin care is the use of layers for moisturizing. The one and done technique works for some, but not everyone. Asian skin care focuses on layers of light hydration from different hydrating toners, essences, serums and a final heavier cream. Using serums or hydrating toners before your main moisturizer like cerave is a great option to boost moisture content in your skin.

Ingredients like Hyaluronic acid is something to look for- its a humecant that can hold 1000 times in it weight in water- as a result instead of just keeping existing moisture in your skin like many moisturizers- it brings more moisture into the skin from the lower part of the epidermis or the environment around your skin.

For you however- if you do not want to go that route- i strongly reccomend a 5% urea cream like Euricins
urea will do the best job at getting rid of those flakes and scalyness- as a it helps dissolve keratin overloads.

If you want the best of both worlds - you could combine that moisturizer with a hydrating toner or essense underneath- like this Hada Labo Lotion or this Hada Labo Gel
that could also layer nicely under your thicker moiosturizer

in asian skin care the word lotion is used instead of toner. Toners(aka lotions) in asian skin care are not like western astringent ones- they are slightly liquidy and offer a great calming boost of moisture under your main moisturizer.


Sorry for the wall of text!

tl;dr
Moisturizing doest just have to be one step- using layers helps alot through serums, essences and toners.

> Im looking to get a razor on Amazon due to convenience, any suggestions would be appreciated.

Honestly, I understand where you're coming from. I think a lot of us coming in have the same thought, you're in unfamiliar territory trying to order from an unknown source and amazon is a safe, known place to pick things up. However, if you choose to upgrade, I strongly recommend going to somewhere like Maggard Razors. The owners run an excellent customer focused business, that out does amazon by a mile on a lot of things. There are some commercial items you can do better on through amazon if you know what you're looking for, but in general, they are just the best place to go. You can check out safely through Pay Pal, and they ship very quickly. I think if you look around you'll see and endless amount of recommendations for using them here, and for very good reason. In the world of wet shaving, it just doesn't get more convenient than Maggards.

Specifically if I were in your position, I would order an MR-1 or an MR-5 and select the V3A head. It will run you about $26 + shipping. You won't get a more efficient razor than that from amazon for that price. It is considered to be on the more aggressive side for razors, but you've been at it for six months, so it shouldn't be an issue. I find it to be very comfortable to use, and it's currently one of my favorite razors.

 

All that being said, if you want some options from amazon, here are a few. The one you linked above was my first DE, and I would not recommend it. It was inefficient (very mild), and I don't care for the thin hollow handle.

• Edwin Jagger DE89 — Decent razor, will be more efficient than the one you have, but is still comfortable.
  
• Mühle R89 — Same head design as the Edwin Jagger, but manufactured by Mühle. Generally has a better fit and finish than the EJ
  
• Merkur Progress — Modern adjustable that will allow you to change the settings to find the balance of comfort and efficiency that works best for you. Downside is the plastic adjustment knob.
  
  Most of the results that come up if you search amazon for safety razors, are just overpriced weishi or baili clones, which is same thing you have right now. The rest are EJ clones that may be coming out of Pakistan and have serious QC issue. A prime example of something to avoid is that Viking Blade razor near the top of the results, which is a $9 baili razor selling for nearly $40. Be careful to avoid stuff like that, which is one more reason why places like Maggards are held in high regard. They are very transparent about all the things they sell, and you don't have to worry about getting scammed.

I'm a little older than you; I also have combination skin on the dry side. Here's my usual routine right now:

AM:

• Wash face in shower with whatever bar soap I have on hand (usually an indie soap from a brand like Villainess or Arcana). This isn't really an ideal facial cleanser, but my skin is pretty compliant.
  
• Wipe any areas with pimples or clogged pores (usually just my T-zone) with a Stridex pad (I use the wipes in the red box and cut them into quarters to make them last longer; don't usually need more than 1/4 wipe for my oily areas). The BHA helps cut the oils and unclog pores.
  
• Wait a few mins, then pat a little water on my face to dampen it, and apply a few drops of Garden of Wisdom cranberry hyaluronic acid serum mixed with a few drops of maracuja oil or argan oil as a moisturizer. I used to just use the oil, but find that adding the serum helps keep my face hydrated and happy much longer. This particular HA serum smells really nice, which is the main reason I use it.
  
• Sunscreen, either Elta MD UV Clear (what I use most days, but the PPD rating isn't as good as some, so if I'm going to be out in the sun for a while, I might use the Shiseido instead; I do always use this on my eye area since it doesn't sting) or Shiseido Hada Senka UV Gel (all chemical, so it stings my eyes, but has a higher PPD; I think it may also be better for flash photos). Both sunscreens rub in quickly without leaving a white cast or shininess/greasiness/stickiness on my skin.
  
• Lip balm (currently using Nuxe Reve de Miel, which I bought after reading rave reviews but I think is really overhyped)
  
  PM:
  
  
• Cleanse with Kose Softymo deep cleansing oil. My HG cleanser--takes off all makeup without any rubbing, and since it's oil-based, it gives the benefits of oil cleansing, but rinses off clean without needing a washcloth.
  
• Stridex wipes as needed
  
• I alternate actives at night somewhat randomly: currently rotating between Garden of Wisdom Vitamin C, E, and White Tea serum as a vitamin C product (I like this, but I'm going to try their simpler Majik C serum next to see if it's something that can be used during the daytime--this one advises use only at night), Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream as a retinol product, and Alpha Hydrox AHA Gel as an AHA for exfoliation. Retinol and AHA make your skin more sensitive to the sun and/or break down in sunlight, so I only use these at night. The vitamin C serum suggests only using at night, so I only use that at night as well.
  
• I also spot treat hyperpigmentation at night with Garden of Wisdom Light 'n' Brite serum dabbed on just the areas that need it.
  
• Lip balm
  
• I rub rosehip seed oil on my eyes and lashes (combination lash conditioner, moisturizer, and gentle retinol product for my eye area, since I avoid using most active products around my eyes)
  
• Then I moisturize my whole face with the maracuja or argan oil and sometimes the HA serum. I have a drugstore knockoff of Cerave in the tub that I occasionally use, but I feel more moisturized if I use oils. The rosehip seed oil feels a bit heavier than the others, so I usually only use it on my eye area.
  
• Occasionally I use masks or spot treatments: Neutrogena salicylic acid gel or Clearasil BP cream for pimples, Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask if my pores are clogged (though it's drying, so usually just on my T-zone), Dr. Jeffrey Dover Skin Effects Glycolic Mask for extra exfoliation, or a honey/yogurt/turmeric mask; I also have a jar of C-Brighter maracuja eye cream that I got kind of by accident and use this sometimes on my eyes as well, but I wouldn't repurchase this because it seems overpriced/overhyped.

I have been dealing with redness for a while too. I'm pretty sure it's primarily genetic, but being dehydrated does not do me any favors.

There are a couple of things I've tried or been told to try and some have helped a bit. My mom has rosacea and I'm pretty sure I have a mild case of it as well, but I haven't really target that as much as I have tried to create a soothing routine.

Anywho things I've been told/tried (Amazon links just for info, you may consider buying some of these else where, if you decide to buy them at all):

• Cosrx Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence: I personally didn't see any direct redness reducing effects, but I do really love this as a hydrating essence. I use it to mix oils into quite often.
  
  
• LRP Cicaplast Baume B5: This stuff is THICC. Very soothing for me. Immediate redness reducing with some last effects. It is not very cosmetically elegant so I don't use it during the day.
  
  
• Hada Labo Moist: This is a hydrating toner. This primarily helps with redness by plumping and hydrating my face. I find this to be an absolute workhorse in my routine, but kind of boring at the same time. I may switch to the premium version when I'm finished with my current bottle.
  
  
• Klairs Supple Preparation Toner: This is very soothing for me and I find it does help short term with redness relif. You may have some issues with the essential oils that are in this formula, but they have just a released one that is Unscented!
  
  
• Dr. Jart Color Correcting Treatment: This doesn't fix the problem for me, but it does cover the redness very nicely. I really like using this instead of foundation or a BB cream, it evens out my complexion very well. A little goes a long way!
  
  
• Niacinamide: There are several products that I have tested because they contained Niacinamide. If you'd like I would be happy to link them to you. I really like this ingredient and I find it to be very helpful in a lot of ways.
  
  
• SPF: I feel silly saying this, but honestly using SPF regularly cut my redness in half.
  
  
• Centella Asiatica: This is one of the main soothing ingredients in the LRP Baume & Dr. Jart Color Corrector I mentioned earlier. There are several products that feature it from multiple brands. I know a couple of weeks ago there was this thread about it on /r/AsianBeauty
  
  
• Rosehip Seed Oil: I only linked the Trilogy because that is the one I am testing right now. I really like this oil and may look for a different brand going forward. I'm not positive that it is helping my general redness, but it IS doing wonders for some of the PIE spots that I have on my chin.
  
  Wow, I have just realized I've written you a book. My bad! I hope this helps some. These are just my experiences and suggestions, ymmv. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Congrats on getting out of that bad foster situation man. I might have a few tips and tricks I haven't seen getting put out yet for you.

1. I second what some people are saying, take as many showers as you want. Something I did find, however, is that if I only shampooed my hair every other day, eventually my hair wouldn't get oily. I've found that something like a Head and Shoulders shampoo/conditioner all in one cleans and keeps the white flakies off.
   
   
2. Those razor burn bumps were the bane of my existence, 'till I discovered the old-school double bladed safety razors (like this one and learned how to use one. For the shaving cream I alternate between Shave Secret (you can find it at Wal-Mart for a couple bucks) and a Gillette sensitive skin gel. No more bumps.
   
   
3. I am one hairy dude. I even have hair on the backs of my fingers. Mostly what I do is keep my pubes trimmed up (helps keep down body odor), and every once in a while use a trimmer with a guard to trim up my eyebrows and get rid of the uni-brow. They would look like caterpillars having sex on my face otherwise. I wouldn't recommend the eyebrow trimming unless it noticeably gets out of hand, but definitely take care of the uni-brow, if you're cursed with that. Otherwise, lots and lots of chicks dig a hairy-chested (fit) dude.
   
   
4. T-shirts get one use from me. Button downs, one to three uses, depending on if I've sweated. Jeans... if it looks or smells dirty, wash them. Otherwise, just hang them up at the end of the day and you're good to go. If it looks dirty or smells like anything other than your deodorant/cologne, wash it. I just use liquid detergent and about 2 cups of vinegar in the wash. The vinegar actually helps get rid of odors and stains. Also, use unscented fabric softener sheets. It helps keep your clothes looking nice, and there won't be any scent to clash with whatever you're wearing.
   
   Also, I highly recommend sticking with something like an Old Spice deodorant and no cologne, unless you can ask a girl that you trust what cologne would smell good on you. And then only use a spray or two under your shirt for the day.
   
   Biotene mouthwash (from Wal-Mart again) dissolves the gunk that is left on your teeth after eating, makes brushing your teeth much more effective. It's a bit more expensive than Listerine, but I've only had a couple cavities in my entire life.
   
   A good, comfortable pair of shoes will make you feel and look better. If your feet hurt, then you will hurt all over. My personal favorite for everyday wear is Macbeths (you can find them at Journeys in the mall). Good foot support, they look great, and they're (relatively) inexpensive. I was without a vehicle in California for about 6 months, wore a pair out walking everywhere in them without a single problem.
   
   I know I'm late to the party, but I hope these help!

Avid wet shaver here. So if you are considering wet shaving, allow me to indulge you for a second. There's a lot of perks when it comes to wet shaving.

• It's relaxing
  
• It's cheaper/less maintenance
  
• There's lots o' smells and combinations
  
  Sure there's a lot of razors out there, but it's mostly about finding one that you like or find appealing. Does it feel better when the razor is heavy? When it's light? Do you want it to made from plated gold or just chrome? It's about finding one that suits you.
  
  I've been using this bad boy for the last 3 years and it's given me remarkable shaves. Theres a knob on the bottom that allows you to adjust how much of the blade is exposed, so on sensitive areas (like my neck) I can adjust the blade to glide smoothly without worrying about nicks or razor burn.
  
  Now, after you find one of your liking, it's time to look for is a brush.
  
  There's typically 3 types.
  
  
• Badger
  
• Boar
  
• Synthetic
  
  Badger is the most common, as it's softer and holds a generous amount of water. Boar is a harder type hair and requires some getting used to (of which I have little experience with).
  
  Brushes can range from $10-$300. A lot of the price comes down to quality of the hair and material of the handle. Remember, you get what you pay for. One thing to consider is that wet shaving was designed to last forever. Brushes and razors from the 60's, as long as they were well taken care of, can be used today.
  
  Heck if you don't want to get too fancy, don't get a brush. A simple dallop of shaving cream on the hand and massaged on the face would suffice.
  
  Next are razor blades. There's a ton of different manufacturers. Gillete, Astra, Feather; to name a few. Every brand works for different people. I find Astra to be the ideal blade for my face, but Feather blades are too rough on me. When starting out, I'd suggest trying a "Blade Sampler Pack" from some online retailer. And when you find a brand that works, see if you could buy their blades in bulk. I get the 100 pack. So if I use 1 blade for 2 shaves, the cost of blades drop down to mere pennies compared to the cartridge razor blades they sell at the drug store.
  
  SO, now that you have the essentials, keep in mind of the three basic things you use for pre/mid/post shave.
  
  
• Preshave oil (Optional although I highly reccomend it)
  
• Shaving cream
  
• Aftershave (Optional)
  
  Here is where the fun starts. There's just so many choices! You can buy special pre shave oil (preshave oil helps lubricate the blade as it glides over your face. Shaving cream does too) or you can use a glycerine soap bar like this one however, Whole Foods sells a store brand soap bar for $1 that I love.
  
  Try out different shaving soaps or creams until you find one you like. There's so many different online retailers that it aint funny. And they're pretty cheap too. I personally love the Eucalyptus Shave cream from Bath & Body Works and i'm still using the same tube that I've had since last year.
  
  Soak the brush in water, shake excess water out, put a pea size amount of cream on the brush, rub on face, make lather, shave! It feels really good too!
  
  They say to shave for three rounds per shaving session. With the grain, across the grain, and against the grain. So pay attention to which direction the hair grows all over your face and neck.
  
  With your razor, razor blades, pre shave, and shaving cream, you'll have amazing shaves and more money in your pocket.
  
  I haven't used electric shavers, but I can assure you that there's no closer shave you'll get than from a razor.
  
  P.S. Don't buy anything from The Art of Shaving. They are way overpriced for not that great of quality.

Sure!

Step 1: steam your face or a hot steamy shower. Open the pores up! Refrain from any harsh cleansers or scrubbing other than gentle gentle gentle.


Step 2: swipe a stridex pad or any other salicylic acid based toner over the spot. Wait 15 min. It gently dissolves the dead skin layer that is clogging the pore, and begins to break down the layer of oil and crud that is keeping all of the fluid and pus inside.


Step 3: spot treat with Aztec clay mask, mixed with apple cider vinegar. You must mix the betonite clay mask with the Apple cider vinegar, to balance the pH and avoid burning your skin. It smells funky as hell but it is an acne killer, every single person on this thread will agree that it’s amazing for acne. It will draw it to a head quicker. This is great as a full face mask, be aware that it will pulse and tingle intensely as it dries! Your skin will be bright red for 30 min to an hour after removing it.


Step 4: wait 10 min until it dries and carefully peel it off the zit. It may even take the clogged pore top with it, opening it up for extraction — use an extractor tool or pore vacuum and do NOT just go squeeze it. If it does not come to a head repeat this again tomorrow! Do not do the full mask every day, the spot treatment is ok daily only on blemishes. As a full mask it’s best to use it once or maybe twice a week at most, or you risk compromising your lipid/moisture barrier and going through some seriously not fun times. Always follow up with a good oil free moisturizer.

This is the best way to completely drain this blemish, without forcing the pus further into your skin and creating even more breakouts down the line.


All of these products are easily obtained on Amazon, or any major grocer that has a health food section or oriented towards health. I know for a fact that Gelsons, Whole Foods, Erewhon, sprouts all carry the Aztec betonite clay mask and apple cider vinegar. Any chemist or pharmacy will have stridex wipes and benzoyl peroxide & maybe even the extractor tool as well. If they do not have the extractor, pick up some Hydrocollegial bandages as well as small diabetic lancets (Tiny needles used for blood sugar testing) if you don’t have anything you can use at home to poke it with.


Now steam your face for 5 to 10 minutes to open your pores then see if you can gently lance the pimple with a lancet or sterilized small needle. (It must be sterilized and rubbing alcohol for a few minutes first, or you will get an infection.)

Gently pierce it, then allow it to drain and very carefully apply pressure straight down to the sides of the blemish. Do not squeeze directly into it, again super bad. Once you’ve gotten as much out as you can, slap a hydro colloidal bandage on it and sleep with it on. The bandage will suck all of the fluid and pus out, leaving you with a flattened bump in the morning that you can apply a little dab of benzoyl peroxide on. Benzoyl Peroxide is an anaerobic substance, it penetrates all the way to the base of the skin through multiple layers to target acne bacteria. It’s best used as a spot treatment and will fry the crap out of your face. Always use sunscreen after using these medicines!


Products mentioned:

Stridex, Single-Step Acne Control, Maximum, Alcohol Free, 90 Soft Touch Pads https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074GF1PNL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uGWFDb3Z0AY3M

Aztec Secret - Indian Healing Clay - 1 lb. | Deep Pore Cleansing Facial & Body Mask | The Original 100% Natural Calcium Bentonite Clay - New! Version 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014P8L9W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8GWFDbDHXR0ZP

Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, 16 oz (1 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E3B30WW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xHWFDbXYZFBTS

CHIMOCEE Professional Surgical Blackhead Remover Tools, Blemish and Splinter Acne Pimple Removal Kit, Come Done Extractor Tool for Whitehead, Pimples and Zit Popper Leather Case with Mirror, Pack of 6 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072KK5J8K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VHWFDbRHCCA6C


Nexcare Acne Cover, Hydrocolloid Technology, Invisible, 36 count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BRGUNV2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-KWFDbZBFA91H


Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Treatment Gel with Maximum Strength Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Medicine, Pimple Cream for Acne Prone Skin with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, 1 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NR1YVYU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xLWFDbMR0TMZ0

About your age here!

I have pretty difficult skin... it's sensitive and gets rashes in response to all sorts of things, I have PIH (every time I get a pimple, after it heals, a dark mark stays on my skin for weeks and weeks), it gets oily and dry, the works. I ended up on this subreddit seeking help, and though I'm still experimenting with some things, it's DEFINITELY getting better.

I usually shower twice a day just because gym time works out in the middle of my schedule. I do my face washing in the shower, and I have the generic Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle body wash. It's actually pretty good on your face. I also have the Cerave hydrating face wash, but I'm not sure lately if it adds anything. Maybe. For now the Tea Tree Tingle seems to be doing just fine.

Every few days I use the St. Ives Pads. I know a lot of people on here recommend the Stridex, but my hyper-sensitive skin had a conniption about those.

By day, my moisturizer is the Cerave in the tub and they are NOT KIDDING. Of all the products I've tried courtesy of this sub, this is the #1 most helpful thing I've discovered yet.

At night, in hopes of treating my PIH, I've been experimenting with Retinol. They say it takes a long time to notice any difference. They're right. I've noticed no difference. BUT thus far, my skin hasn't broken out, gotten blotchy or rashy, or otherwise freaked out over this stuff, so... I'll hang in there.

Oh, and Sunscreen. I use Neutrogena Sensitive Skin. I recommend starting with VERY LITTLE and working it in one section at a time. It's easy to go overboard and end up with caked-on white face.

PROTIP WITH SUNSCREEN: you guessed it: there have been cases of melanoma in my family and I freckle out a lot and have a high risk (I told you my skin was difficult). ALWAYS remember to put sunscreen all over your ears (front and back) and on the tops of your feet/toes. People don't think to cover these areas and don't check for melanoma there in time, usually.


Oh, and last: I've tried the Aztec Healing Clay twice now as I've needed to get rid of blackheads or calm things down a bit. Definitely use Apple Cider Vinegar, that stuff is the best.




ORDER OF OPERATIONS

1. in shower, Tea Tree Tingle or Cerave hydrating face wash
   
   
2. (only 2-3x/week) St. Ives Pads
   
   
3. Moisturizer Cerave in the tub or Retinol
   
   
4. By day: Neutrogena Sensitive Skin sunscreen
   
   
5. Randomly on a Saturday afternoon if my skin's been having freak-outs, Aztec Healing Clay
   
   
   
   
   
   
   I'm pretty new at this myself, but so far it's working out pretty well. I started with the Beginner's Skincare Routine as a rough guide and otherwise lurked around figuring things out (which is still pretty much how I'm handling it). So far, awesome sub, and found a lot of this has been really helpful!

What are you currently doing for your skin? Tell me about your showering routine, especially.

Here are a few things that might help you feel better/look better:

1. Try to take cooler showers. If this means changing your typical water temp from hot to warm, it will definitely help. I'm not advocating ice cold showers, but cooler is definitely better for your skin. Especially during the winter months.
   
   
2. Use a mild soap/body wash. You may be doing this already, but it's a good place to start. Something that isn't loaded with fragrance is really helpful. Using really harsh body wash can really strip your skin and make it irritated.
   
   
3. Exfoliate once or twice a week. This will really help with any bumps and discoloration you may have. I personally use a salux towel loaded with a moisturizing, fragrance free body wash once or twice a week. This towel in particular is great at getting areas like your back and posterior that are hard to get thoroughly.
   
   You could also try chemical exfoliation on any breakouts or scarring you might have. Stridex in the red box is great for treating active breakouts (pimples, whiteheads, whatnot). For scarring or pigmentation, something with an AHA in it (Lactic or Glycolic Acid, for example) will really help. AmLactin is really excellent for this. When using an AHA, however, please apply sunscreen to any areas that your clothing doesn't cover during the day. It has been known to sensitize you to UV light.
   
   
4. Moisturize immediately after a shower. I don't know what your skin is like, or how much moisture it might need, but this step is really helpful with keeping your skin healthy and healthy looking. It heals faster when it retains moisture, and the texture will also improve. This could be applying baby oil while you're still damp in the shower, and then toweling off. It could involve a nourishing body butter (try to avoid too much fragrance though) after you've dried off. It could even include using a really thin, light moisturizer all over after you've dried off, if that's all you need.
   
   With all new products, try to buy the smallest size you can and introduce things one at a time. This will keep you from wasting too much money on products you don't like, and will alert you to any allergies or sensitivities when you introduce a new product.
   
   Sorry this is so incredibly long. Let me know what you think, and if you have any questions!

Hello!

I've been lurking on this subreddit for a few months, and while it's helped me put together a routine, I feel like there's more I can do to improve my skin!

To start, here are some pictures! https://imgur.com/a/0JLlV

I'm 31 (32 soon!), and I THINK I have normal/dry skin. Sometimes it feels tight or flaky in the morning, before I wash and moisturize. Overall my face is soft, but there's a tiny bit of roughness. I have the occasional breakout (around nose/chin), but it's never more than one or two whiteheads, and they usually go away after a few days.

My main concern is REDNESS, as well as whatever's going on with my forehead.

The pictures are after I've been up for a while, before I wash my face. This is about how my face looks normally, and I'd really like to reduce the blotches and have a more even skintone. My forehead is a little bumpy, with red spots.

Here's my routine!

AM

Splash some cold water

[MILK Makeup Matcha Toner
]
(https://www.milkmakeup.com/matcha-toner.html)

Mario Badescu Rosewater Spray

Cerave PM
(Brush teeth while it dries)

Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

PM

Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser

MILK Makeup Matcha Toner

Stridex Red (Brush teeth while it dries)

Mario Badescu Rosewater Spray

LUSH Full of Grace serum


Cerave PM

Every once in a while I'll use the FOMO jelly mask from LUSH.
I also have this diy mask powder from WitchBaby that I haven't tried yet, but I was thinking about mixing it with Aloe.

I used the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion like, once. It didn't really do much for the pimple I had, but it could be because it rubbed off. Maybe I'd have better luck if I slapped a hydrocolloid bandage over it after it dries?

I WAS mixing Acure Seriously Soothing Blue Tansy Night Oil (new formula) with my moisturizer for a couple weeks, and it made my face feel GREAT, but I started getting more breakouts than usual, in spots that I don't normally break out.

I also tried using CosRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid every other day (alternating with Stridex Red) for about a month, and stopped because I didn't see much difference and I got tired of waiting 20mins to finish my routine.

I've been doing this since early January, and I haven't really seen much improvement. I really like to keep things simple (my PM routine is already on that border of being too much!), so I'd rather replace parts of my routine with things that could work out better, than add to it, unless it's super necessary.

I'm thinking about replacing the Matcha toner (which is kind of meh to me) and the MB spray with some Thayer's witch hazel (cucumber or rose?). I really like the MB spray because it makes it easier to apply moisturizer, but if I can do the same thing with Thayer's (in a spray bottle) then it'd be nice to combine the two steps into one product. And it'd be cheaper!

I'd like to add some sort of oil (rosehip seed? squalane?) that I can just mix with my moisturizer. I liked doing it with the Acure, but something about it broke me out.

I was also considering using Azelaic Acid instead of Stridex. If I did that, my choices would be either TO or Melazepam since I'm in the US.

I was also looking into the possibility of using Curology as a way to just mix all that good stuff into one product.

I'm very lazy.

Anyways, this ended up being REALLY long! I probably should have made this its own post, but I figured I'd try the daily help thread first!

Thanks for any advice!

After some careful deliberation and lots of research here on w_e, I bit the bullet and made a $100 purchase (more than I would have liked, but I think I can justify it):

Merkur 180 razor $31 for my large sized hands. Good reviews all around and price seemed comparable to the Edwin Jagger that was recommended.

VDH Men's Luxury Shave Set $32 I went with this set basically because I wanted a shaving mug. Also, I'm not convinced I could purchase each component separately and save more than a few dollars while retaining quality. The soap has great reviews, the brush seems decent (good for a starter brush) and the stand is bonus. If I purchased each component separately I might have been able to save a few dollars, but it's easier to start out with the kit, I think.

[This blade sampler] (http://www.amazon.com/FEATHER-Oclock-BLUEBIRD-Blade-Sampler/dp/B004UIZFQW/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1331009882&sr=1-2) $16 This was a recommended sampler on one of mpperry's links, I went with it because it's a good variety of brands I recognize from research and gives me more than one or two blades of each brand.

[This alum block] (http://www.amazon.com/Tulumba-Barber-Alum/dp/B000VXELII/ref=sr_1_3?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1331010211&sr=1-3) $8 incl shipping Again, found this through research. Alum block was said to be a non-essential, but I have sensitive skin and it sounds like alum will help me with razor burn and dryness. Plus, I figure, if I'm making the change, might as well go whole-ish hog.

Finally, This nick stick $8 because I know I'll screw up a few times, and I can't be bleeding all over the ladies all the time.

I skipped an aftershave, mostly because I didn't want to pay for shipping. I can probably find a decent one at Walgreens or something.

Although I didn't buy many of the things mpperry recommended in his awesome comment, I plan to use those things in the future when I'm no longer a beginner. Better soaps, better blades and better brushes are in my future, when I'm getting better shaves!

Shipment should arrive over spring break, I figure that's a good time to learn. Can't wait!

Hi there! You might consider that your skin is a bit dehydrated (lacking water) as well as dry (lacking oil). Mine certainly was! I would consider adding a hydrating toner to your arsenal rather than jumping right in to large number of active products (you can always add them more slowly later once you've decided on what you want try first). Especially as you are quite young, it might be an easy fix rather than a long active journey waiting for results.

The idea will be to keep your skin plumped, reducing the appearance of fine lines. Hydrating toners are terribly useful in that they are light watery layers full of humectants which draw and hold water to your skin. Plus, you can do multiple layers one right after the other (sometimes called the '7-skin method') if your skin is feeling extra dull that day without risking the addition of more ingredients.

They are usual in the realm of Korean or Asian skincare, but lots are becoming super popular. Here are the classics: Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion - the OG!, Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion - contains fermented ingredients for brightening and is a HUGE bottle, Klairs Supple Preparation Toner - Recommend the unscented, has licorice for brightening, Benton Aloe/BHA Toner - BHA acts as a humectant here, no exfoliation, Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner - Super light, 6 ingredients for sensitive skin, Etude House SoonJung 5.5 Relief Toner - Just like water, very soothing, many others!!

(just ignore that in Japan toners are called 'lotion'. Yes it is confusing!)

Also, Gothamista has a great video on hydrating toners which goes over several of the ones I mentioned plus others.

One more easy thing to consider is a raw honey mask. If you can get real honey, just slather than on your face! It's a humectant and will help with water levels in your skin. Another point is to apply your routine onto damp skin after cleansing.

Hope this helps!

Personally, I'm not using a vitamin C cream because it's expensive. But sunscreen is literally a MUST. I used to think sunscreen would just make things worse, but it turns out that sun damage makes acne scar spots darker.

Lots of people here have seen success from sunscreens and the one I'm personally using is EldaMD sunscreen, found here: http://www.amazon.com/Eltamd-Clear-SPF-48-Gram-1-7/dp/B002MSN3QQ/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451583461&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=eldamd+sunscreen

I also use Adapalene 0.3% (Differin) which is a prescription. It's been shown in scientific studies to promote cell turnover, which fades those spots. I've been using it so far and has been keeping my skin not only clear, but has been helping with the scarring as well.

I'm also about to use GOW's Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid Exfoliation Wipes. Found here: http://www.gardenofwisdom.com/catalog/item/7495831/3918195.htm

I have middle-eastern skin so I need to use lactic acid, as it works better for darker skins. But Glycolic Acid may work better for your skin. The recommendations in the post above are some of the best but make sure to read the ingredient labels. Paraben-free and minimal ingredients are always best for your skin. They also have a DIY Vitamin C found here: https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/comments/1lfm47/diy_vitamin_c_serum_a_really_full_explanation/

I'm going to add this to my regimen a little later, just trying to be as conservative with money as possible. Vitamin C is essential for collagen renewal and will help fade your spots faster. It also gives your skin a nice glow, so there's benefits!

That'd be my list of recommendations, make sure to read some of the posts around here that had the same problem as you - they can help you choose the best product for you. I'm confident though that given time and determination, your skin will be 100% clear.

Remember though, patience is the key for acne and even the scarring. Just stay persistent and you'll see good things!

I'm basing this on what I already have these in stock and I'm just replacing what I already have. Anything I don't spend in one month, I will bank for the next month. I don't use AB products exclusively and I cannot use retinol, so I will be staying away from products that contain it. I also live in the UK so $25 in American stretches differently in the UK.

Oil cleanse L'Oreal Paris Extraordinary Oil Facial Cleansing Oil 150ml It's around £5.29 and lasts me ~3-4 months

Regular cleanse Cerave Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser, 12 oz This bottle lasts a whole year....or I shall say I'm still using the bottle I purchased over a year ago. £14.99

Hydrating Toner/Essence Whamisa Natural Fermentation Organic Flowers Skin Toner - Deep Rich / 120ml At $35 USD, one of the most expensive, but for me it's toner AND essence AND ferments. I consider this three products in one and lasts ~4-5 months

Serum Shark Sauce or Sauce du mois At $29, it's one of the more expensive items on the list. One bottle lasts ~2-3 months, although I use a lot more than I probably should.

Face Oil A'kin Rosehip Oil I have found this on sale in the Holland and Barrett store during specials, so although it's listed for £16.45, I have never paid that price for it. Trilogy is phenomenal as well and will often go on sale too.

Eye Cream I cannot recommend an eye cream in this price range with my specific concerns. All my recommendations are above budget. I have yet to find a satisfactory eye cream that tackles wrinkles, fine lines, and sunken black circles (genetic condition). For me, I need to go above budget. What I can recommend is using the rosehip oil gently around the eye area at night. Another recommendation are Koelf Gold Royal Hydrogel at around £12. If you have time to put them on after the serum and before a lotion/moisturizer first thing in the morning, they will work great.

Moisturizer/Lotion/cream A few in this category to include Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream at £24 or Olay Regenerist 3 Point Super Age-Defying Fragrance Free Moisturiser 50ml at £20.99. I use the Kiehl's during the winter months and can recommend Olay any time of the year. A jar lasts a good 4 months. The original Olay is great for the warmer summer months (and has sunscreen in it)

Face Mask So many great ones out there - hard to choose.

Nice but not required (your mileage and needs may vary

Clay Mask Any of the L'oreal new clay mask range £5.99 a pop and a month's usage - if you want to use them.

BHA Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant As much as I detest their business practices, I think the 2% BHA is worth the bother. £25 a bottle, but used twice a week the bottle really does last.

AHA Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant same as above. I use this roughly once a week, lasts a LONG time. £25

Lip care Aquaphor, Vasaline, cocoa butter....All under £5

I use Alba Botanica Very Emollient body wash. $10 on Amazon, $15 at Target. The bottle is huge and should last me gosh... probably 3 months even though my two kids also use it daily. I use a salux cloth with two pumps of body wash.

For my face I use Yes to Carrots Fragrance Free Daily Cream Facial Cleanser. Super expensive on Amazon. $8 at Target. It does not foam up or lather and it is super thick but it rinses clean with no burning or tightness after. You truly only need an actual pea sized amount for your whole face, so this bottle should last at least 3 months!

For my hair, right now I am using Burts Bees Very Volumizing Pomegranate shampoo and conditioner. These are honestly a bit expensive considering how little you get, so because I have long hair, even though these are amazing (super shiny hair now!) I am going to try Alba's shampoo/conditioner when these run out. Sulfate free is important to me.

After I wash my face I use Stridex in the red box (Whoa, that's a good deal on Amazon for a 3 pack... otherwise, around $5 at King Soopers) and after I'm done drying my hair, putting on lotion (Jergens Ultra Healing) I use Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen, which is absolutely amazing. I don't use a moisturizer anymore because the face wash and this sunscreen somehow are more than enough. The sunscreen doesn't have a scent, goes on easily, sinks in right away, has a matte finish... and my skin looked younger and smoother and healthier after one day using it!

The biggest reason I think I am bouncing back like this is because Nature Throid has T3 and T4 and I've been on that since 2 weeks after my initial diagnosis. My hair growth is probably about 4 months worth, so I would bet that in a couple months you will start to notice things improving. In the meantime, drink tons of water ( a gallon a day is actually ok), moisturize, and breathe deeply. :)

Great, you're ahead of the game then.

 

The Hada Labo Gokujyun Moist is the Hylauronic Acid one... "lotion" is just what the Japanese call hydrating toners. I'm talking about this one, is that what you have? I'd try applying it with a mist and some other hydrating layers and the right moisturizer to seal it in, but you could be sensitive to one if the ingredients too.

 

Is this the honey you have from Trader Joe's? That's mine, I love the texture of it but any raw honey will do. Someone else actually asked me below how I used it, go take a look there I explained in detail how I use it :)

 

Have you read Snow White and the Asian Pear's post on what I think she calls "the shell." It's what some dehydrated skin types have, it's this dead layer of skin that keeps products from absorbing. AHA and BHA are your best friend for that. In the meantime, I'd order a konjac sponge to use if you're just going to be using water for now. It'll provide some really gentle exfoliation and help cleanse your skin.

 

My current hydrating products for daytime are the Tosowoong Green Tea Facial Mist (it's awesome, like a essence in a spray bottle), Cosrx FTE (will be trying a different FTE next though), Goodal Waterest Lasting Water Oil,HL lotion, Tosowong Propolis ampoule, Scinic Aqua AIO, HL Shirojyun Milk, and Benton Snail Bee Steam Cream to seal it in. I was using the Enprani Moistfull Booskin but I didn't find it very hydrating and I may cut out the Goodal Water Oil due to fragrance.

 

I sheet mask at least once a day and I use sleeping packs during the day also if I'm just hanging out at home. I've just started sheet masking regularly but I've tried quite a few masks and have a ton more on the way too. So far the ones I would repurchase are the LJH Tea Tree Masks, the Enprani Pearl Masks, the MBD masks in Black Pearl and Imperial Bird's Nest, and the Lovemore masks in Pearl Barley & Milk and Rose Hybrida because they smell amazing and they're super sheer. I also would buy the Tony Moly Pureness 100 masks in Hylauronic Acid and Pearl again, they're good cheap masks to have around. I expect my sheet masks to be super hydrating or brightening otherwise I'm not interested.

5 Sunscreen Swatches on Dark Skin

SWATCHES HERE

About my skin:

• My skin complexion: Fenty Beauty foundation in 430
  
• Skin type: Normal (but in very low humidity it can pull dry)
  
• Skin concerns: hyperpigmentation
  
• Weather: Sunny and dry; located in Southern California
  
  Featured sunscreens:
  
  

1. Shisheido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
   
   
2. Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun SPF 45 PA+++
   
   
3. Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ P++++
   
   
4. Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47 with Sunboost ATB
   
   
5. Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum 46
   
   Mini Reviews
   
   Shisheido Senka Aging Care
   
   

• My first AB sunscreen
  
  
• A chemical sunscreen
  
  
• Leaves a moisturizing finish without being greasy
  
  
• Sheer serum-like consistency
  
  
• Zero white-cast
  
  
• I’m at the end of my second bottle
  
  
• Although I quite like this on my skin, I have sensitive eyes and this makes them water like crazy if I apply it around the perimeter of my orbital bone.
  
  
• Purchased a pack of 2 on US Amazon for $16.99 (so ~$8.50 each)
  
  
• Cosdna analysis here
  
  
• Rating: 3/5 - will not repurchase
  
  Missha All Around Safe Block
  
  
• chemical sunscreen
  
  
• purchased this because it is formulated to be water resistant for outdoor activity, sweat and the humidity
  
  
• Has a light floral fragrance
  
  
• Lightly moisturizing and the consistency is the most similar to a basic lotion.
  
  
• Zero white-cast
  
  
• This is my first tube, and I don’t use it often as I am rarely outdoors. I will keep it for now and will decide whether to repurchase based on how much outdoor activity I do this summer
  
  
• Purchased on US Amazon for about $9.89 (it’s currently listed for $13)
  
  
• Cosdna analysis here
  
  
• Rating: 4/5 (points deducted for floral scent and slightly lower protection rating)
  
  Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
  
  
• chemical sunscreen
  
  
• I’m at the end of my second tube
  
  
• This is one of my top two out of the five sunscreens I own
  
  
• Love the finish, particularly under makeup. This also has a sheer serum-like consistency, even more than the Senka.
  
  
• Does slightly make my eyes water, but nothing like the Senka Aging Care
  
  
• Zero white-cast
  
  
• Purchased a pack of 2 on US Amazon for $19.99 (so ~$10 each) but noticed that it is sold at one of my local AB stores for $12 as well
  
  
• Cosdna analysis here
  
  
• Rating: 4/5 - will repurchase (already have a back-up in my drawer)
  
  Josie Maran Daily Moisturizer SPF 47
  
  
• My only completely physical sunscreen
  
  
• This is my second bottle
  
  
• Very moisturizing, leaves a very radiant, glowy finish
  
  
• I love that I can apply this all over my eyes with zero irritation or sensitivity
  
  
• No white-cast
  
  
• Purchased at my local Sephora for $32
  
  
• Notes on usage: I would only recommend this to people that like a dewy finish or have normal to dry skin. You also must rub it in completely or it may leave a very minimal white-cast.
  
  
• Cosdna analysis here
  
  
• Rating: 5/5 - Wish this was cheaper but I will definitely repurchase
  
  Elta MD UV Clear
  
  
• This is my first bottle
  
  
• A hybrid physical and chemical sunscreen
  
  
• I bought this to apply after my microdermabrasion appointments since it seems to be a staple in many medi-spas
  
  
• I love that it has niacinamide in the formula and that it is formulated especially for skin with acne, rosacea or hyperpigmentation.
  
  
• I really like the consistency of this sunscreen; it glides on nicely and doesn’t take long to rub in
  
  
• Re: White-cast - out of all of my sunscreens, this leaves a very minimal white-cast. It is not an offensive white-cast and to most people it probably isn’t noticeable (my husband doesn’t notice it). But it does not settle in totally clear. This is probably because I have a deep complexion and I doubt this would show up on anyone lighter than me. As you can see in the image, the white-cast is not perceptible. But on my face (which is a little darker) I can notice it ever so slightly. However, it blends enough for me to feel comfortable walking out the house with it on.
  
  
• Purchased at a local medi-spa for $32, but it’s also available on US Amazon for $26.40
  
  
• Cosdna analysis here
  
  
• Rating: 4/5 - will repurchase
  
  Edits: formatting and added links
  
  
  2nd edit: Thanks for the gold, kind stranger!

I have erythematotelangiectatic rosacea with a papule or two every month. My cheeks are covered in permanent telangiectasias, but I don't mind them because I can cover it with makeup easily. I've had them since I was a kid. Occasionally I get a small papule or two

My nose has worsened over the last 5 years. I have no telangiectasias but my whole nose up to the bridge has diffuse erythema. Above the bridge of my nose has some redness too, leaving the bridge of my nose white... The redness goes away if I press on my nose (it blanches - not permanent). It is difficult to keep makeup on my nose throughout the day without it coming off. This is the most annoying thing about rosacea for me.

My forehead has patches of eczema either side that I've had success treating with elidel (pimecrolimus cream) and a better skincare routine. I have rosacea in the middle of my forehead. Easy to cover with makeup.

I've tried metrogel and finacea, both without effect. Finacea just hurts my skin. I'm taking 50mg doxycycline capsules and I thought they were working, but then I forgot for a while. It's difficult to tell. Rosacea is difficult to control, unfortunately.

___

I currently use the following of an evening:

• Mineral oil massage to remove makeup - emulsify and remove in the shower with water.
  
  
• Sulwhasoo Snowise Ex Cleansing Foam - low pH cleansing foam that leaves my skin lovely and clean without over-cleansing.
  
  
• Actives - Elidel for eczema if required.
  
  
• Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Toner - Not astrigent at all. Super slippery base makes the next steps more effective.
  
  
• Holy Snails Shark Sauce and Snowbang Essence - Small amount, mix together in hand and wipe across face. Contains ceramides to help replenish lipid barrier, niacinamide and n-acetyl glucosamine for anti-inflammatory effects, lots more lovely stuff.
  
  
• Mizon Snail Repair All In One cream - Small amount all over face. It's a very light cream, almost like a gel. It has a lovely texture.
  
  
• Shara Shara Honey Bomb Ampoule - niacinamide, so good. Small amount, all over face.
  
  
• La Roche Posay Lipikar Baume AP+ - One pump to cover whole face (400ml bottle has a pump). I love this stuff. Niacinamide (anti-inflammatory), glycerin (humectant), shea butter (emollient), mineral oil & silicone (occlusive emollients).
  
  
• CosRX Ultimate Moisturising Honey Overnight Mask OR Mizon Snail Repair Recovery Gel - Moisturising gel to "set" the layers of moisturiser beneath. I'm still testing out the snail recovery gel, not sure if I like it because it doesn't "set" as well.
  
  In the morning I gently wash the set slippery layers off with water and apply:
  
  
• Actives - Elidel for eczema if required.
  
  
• Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Toner
  
  
• Holy Snails Shark Sauce & Snowbang Essence
  
  
• Mizon Snail Repair All In One cream
  
  
• Lipikar Baume AP+ on bad skin days, or CosRX Ultimate Honey Overnight Mask on good days.
  
  
• Shiseido Hada Senka Mineral Water Gel SPF 50+ - I love the finish of this sunscreen. Sunscreen is super, super important, especially with the niacinamide use. Use a sunscreen every single day, even in winter, even if only inside. Every day!
  
  I take a resveratrol capsule every day to combat sirtuin inhibition caused by niacinamide.
  
  I've been following this routine for four months and my skin has improved a lot in terms of texture. The flaky patches went away and the eczema almost completely disappeared with occasional maintenance use of elidel and just generally looking after my skin. The rosacea erythema has stayed the same, but I have developed fewer papules. Hopefully, if I can remember to take the doxycycline, the redness of my nose may also improve.

The main thing you need to concentrate on is hydration, once that issue is tackled, you might find that your skin doesn’t need all those actives but that’s for the future. For now your routine (according to your skin state right now) would look like this:

Am:

• Water rinse: no need for a cleanser in this step
  
  
• Vitamin C: Start with a low dose since you are new to it. Here are some good options to chose from:
  
  
  • Rhoto Melano CC, it has around 5% Vitamin C.
    
    
  • L’Oreal 10%Pure Vitamin C Serum.
    
  • CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum 10%.
    
    
• Toner (optional): you don’t really need a toner but since you are dehydrated, a hydrating toner will make your skin supple and ready to absorb your moisturizer better. My favorites are Asian toner since they make the best toner hands down:
  
  
  • Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion
    
    
  • I am From Rice Toner.
    
    
• Moisturizer: That’s going to be a trial and error until you find the right one for you. Try to find samples and use them. I like light creams like:
  
  
  • Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
    
    
  • Tatcha The Water Cream.
    
    
• Sunscreen
  
  Pm:
  
  
• Oil Cleanse: this is going to be a game changer for you. Oil cleanser dissolve makeup, sunscreen, dirt with little to no effort and don’t strip your skin. My favorites are :
  
  
  • The Face Shop Rice water Oil Cleanser
    
    
  • Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil
    
    
• Cleanser: it took years and lots of money to find a cleanser that doesn’t strip and leave the skin tight. These are the winners in my opinion:
  
  
  • Avène TriXera Nutrition Nutri-Fluid Cleanser
    
    
  • LaRoche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser
    
    
  • Algenist Gentle Rejuvenating Cleanser
    
    
• Retin A : you can keep using it once or twice a week. This is your gold ticket for anti-aging. You are experiencing added wrinkles because of the dryness that can result from using Retin A, not Retin A itself. So hydration will resolve that issue.
  
  
• Toner: again optional but a hydrating one is always good.
  
  
• Niacinamide: you can add this ingredient here but in my opinion you should wait a bit to see how your skin fare with the added hydration first and not overwhelm it.
  
  
• Moisturize: I like heavy moisturizers at night. My holy grail is:
  
  
  • Avène TriXera Nutrition Nutri-Fluid Lotion
    
    
  • Cerave Moisturizing Cream. Honorable mention.
    
    
• Occlusive: A thin layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor on top. This is an extra step that helped a lot of people to seal in all the goodies before and prevent TEWL or Transepidermal water loss.
  
  Hope this helps a little.

Sooo the first thing that stood out to me was the Neutrogena toner and my only response to that is - stop that. I used to use it when I was younger and god it was horrible. It has a ton of alcohol, so it totally strips your face. If you have a "tight and dry" feeling, products with a lot of alcohol only make things worse and irritate your face.

If you want to use something to wipe down with after cleansing, I'd suggest a micellar water. Garnier makes a popular one (in the pink bottle) that's really reasonably priced and that I'd recommend.

If you're concerned with closed comedones, an AHA would serve you well. Paula's Choice makes a popular one, but I've also heard good things about Mizon's AHA (bonus: it's cheaper). Make sure you use a good sunscreen with AHA! It makes your skin photosensitive, so broad spectrum sunscreen is mandatory every day (otherwise it'll accelerate the aging of your skin).

To increase hydration, I'd recommend using a hydrating toner before applying moisturiser. Hydration should plump your skin a bit and reduce signs of aging. I love the Hada Labo toner and apply it after I've used my BHA/AHA (after a 20 minute wait) to a damp face (I typically spritz with plain water or aloe vera juice). I wait for it to dry a bit and then apply a moisturiser and it works super well.

Vitamin C serums are excellent for anti-aging. Unfortunately, they tend to be unstable - they're best kept in a dark area, away from heat and light and optimally, in the fridge. However, if you'd still like to give it a go, OST's vit C serum is popular. Wrap the bottle in aluminum foil and it should keep longer. Signs to tell if it's gone off is a change in colour (goes dark) and smell (sour, funky). You should use it right after cleansing and then wait about 15 - 20 minutes before continuing with the rest of your routine.

Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions. (:

Welcome fellow VA AB'er!

> What sunscreen do you recommend?

If you're dry, I'd highly recommend the Shiseido Mineral Water UV Essence link
It doesn't dry me out and it stays put, though I haven't tried using it at the beach or on vigorous work out days yet.

> Face mask suggestion?

I love Tosowoong and MBD masks. The Tosowoong masks are on sale at RRS for less than $9 for 10 masks, which takes a big dent out of the cost. You'll pay a bit more for shipping, but it still usually works out cheaper than most other places. You can check their eBay store (rubyruby76) and see if they have a better deal shipping wise. MBD can be purchased at Walmart, Amazon, Target, Sasa, BGO, and probably a dozen other shops that I have forgotten. :) They're usually $9-$12 per box depending on where you're getting them.

> How often do you put on a face mask?

I hate to preach YMMV but it's definitely one of those scenarios. Depending on how my skin is behaving, I'll wear them nightly, or sometimes 1-3 times a week. It's just a matter of how much moisture I need.

> pH lesson with Asian beauty products please!

There's quite a bit of research on the topic, but the not so short version of why low pH cleansers help your moisture barrier can be found here and here

> Should I try the bubbling clay mask from Milky Piggy?

I'm not really sure about this, I'll defer to the other posters about it being more of a novelty than anything else. I haven't gone down the wash off mask rabbit hole yet. I'm more of sleeping pack/sheet mask fan, myself.

> Black head remover?

If you're really looking for a good black head remover, I'd suggest BHA once you've gotten your moisture levels to a good place. Before that, there's a few clay masks and steam starter creams that may help out. Whatever you do, don't use pore strips. I guess this is a YMMV thing too, but I have heard that people have damaged the skin on their nose by using them. Better to be safe then sorry. Massaging while oil cleansing may help you to push some of them out as well.

> General idea for my first haul?

For dry skin? I'd do a search on the sub for concrete ideas but make sure to include products with ceramides to seal in moisture. I like the Moisture Barrier line from Goodal, but it is by no means the end all be all. Guerisson 9 products work well too, and Dr. Jart has an awesome Ceramide line as well.

As someone explained, ingrown hairs happen when the hair doesn't actually break the surface of the skin, the most common cause for them is shaving with poor gear or incorrectly. Basically you shave and instead of cutting the hair, the razor pulls it slightly out from the hair follicle before actually cutting it. So when the hair grows back, if it's even slightly off from it's previous position, there's a good chance it won't break through the skin and end up as an ingrown hair.

Some people also have naturally very curly hair which then ends up causing much more ingrown hairs than most others. If they just happen even without shaving then the issue is a bit more difficult to manage and there's actually very little you can do about it. However if they happen after shaving, then solution do exist.

I'm going to detail some things you can do about your shaving routine that should help with ingrown hairs.

First of all, get yourself a double edge razor. If you want something cheap you can get one for about 3$ from Amazon, for something a bit better and more expensive the Edwin jagger DE89 is an excellent razor. There are literally hundreds of other options out there, you can often find DE razors from antique shops, flea markets or just your parents/grandparents place. And vintage razors are often extremely good if they are in decent shape.

Next you'll need some blades, I recommend buying a sampler pack again this one is about 11$. The reason you want a sample pack is because certain blades work better for certain people, so you can try them out and find the blade that fits you.

Now why on earth would you spend the whopping 15$ on technology from 70's when you have the new gilette 20 blade razor that is supersharp technology masterpiece? Mostly because it's not supersharp, well..It kinda is but it won't stay that way. The problem is that blades go dull, and when blades go dull they don't cut well, when they don't cut well they tug the hair and you end up with ingrown hairs. The easy solution is to change the cartridge often, but the cartridges are really goddamn expensive so you don't want to do that. DE blades? You can get a years supply for 20-30$, change it every 1-3 shaves and you can ensure the blade stays sharp and cuts well.

Someone also suggested exfoliating the skin, but you can kill two birds with one stone. You can get yourself a shaving brussh, something simple like the Omega 10077 it's a good, cheap starter brush it's a bit on the harder side so you can easily use it to exfoliate your skin prior to shaving. With that you can get a tube of Proraso shaving cream which is leaps and bounds better than the stuff you get from a supermarket in a can. Then to top it off get yourself some nice aftershave to calm your skin after shaving.

Now you'll also need to change your entire routine a bit. Slap a blade on your new razor, fill your sink up with some hot water and let your brush soak in the water. While your brush soaks rinse the areas you want to shave with plenty of hot water, this helps to open up the pores and soften your hair prior to shaving. If you want you can use some pre-shave to try and keep the irritation to your skin to minimum. Now you'll need to prep some lather, you can use a bowl, your hand or just do it right where you want to shave Here's a good guide on what you can do. The basic idea is to make sure your brush isn't exactly dripping wet but still wet, get about an almond size drop of the shave cream, then just mix up the cream like you'd be mixing eggs, add drops of water if needed. Once you have some lather, apply it in the places you want. You should use rather brisk circular motions, these help to prop your hair up and makes them easier to shave. Applying cream with hands usually has the bad effect of pushing your hair flat on your skin which makes shaving harder.

Now you have some lather so you'll need to shave. There are two main things to keep in mind with a DE: Blade angle and pressure.

Basically there is an ideal blade angle and finding one will take some time. However there is an entire wiki page dedicated to this. The second one is pressure, with a cartridge razor you ten dto press it against your skin, because the blades are dull and you try to shave as well as possible. With a DE, you should not put any pressure on your skin. The blade is sharp enough to cleanly cut the hair with zero pressure. Getting a hang of it is gonna take a week or so, but once you do you will consistently get better shaves. And be sure to rinse your blade often with the water you have in your sink, you don't want too much cream clogging the blade up.

The basic three pass DE shave includes one pass with the grain of the hair, another across the grain and the final pass is done very carefully against the grain and only if needed or you absolutely want to do it. Shaving against the grain gives you the best shave, but also irritates your skin more and is much more likely to end up with reddish skin or small cuts. So you fist shave everything with the grain, then rinse, apply lather, shave across the grain, rinse, and shave against the grain if needed.

Finally rinse with cool water, dry yourself up and apply aftershave. For other post-shave products you can get yourself an Alum bloc. It's a natural astringent that closes up most small razor nicks. After your final pass and after rinsing your face, grab the block and just massage it on the areas where you shaved, then rinse your face again. Another excellent product is witch hazel. It's again an all natural skin care product, it helps to cool, refresh and revitalize your skin. You can also use it daily even if you don't shave. Personally I apply witch hazel after I rinse off the alum. Then wait a few minutes and apply after shave.

Doing all that should help to decrease skin irritation and reduce ingrown hairs. And those products are just a dip in he ocean, there are hundreds of soaps, aftershaves, creams and all manner of other things you can get cheap and easy. Check out /r/wicked_edge for more.

My picks are a rotation of Japanese sunscreens, because when it comes to skincare I just can't stick to one thing!

Some in my rotation:

Disclosure: These are all Amazon non-affiliate links so people here can easily find prices and other reviews (even though I personally shop these on Ebay and Rakuten and not Amazon).

• Biore Perfect Face Milk - Says it's water resistant, I personally like the finish and can use it under makeup with no issues.
  
  
• Biore Perfect Milk - This is great for going out in my opinion, an actual going outside face sunscreen!
  
  
• Hada Labo Creamy UV Gel - Very light and friendly, I reserve it for interior use.
  
  
• Shiseido SENKA Mineral Water - I really like this one and on me this has a matte powdery finish. Some people complain it goes on greasy. I find that whole it's greasier than others during application, it dries out non-greasy. YMMV.
  
  
• Forgot to add: I use Privacy's UV Face Powder for retouching. It's Zinc Oxide based. There are other sunscreen powders on the market. My mom uses Colorescience's and it can be found on Amazon too, and Peter Thomas Roth also has one. I just use this one because it's cheaper. It's very whitish though so not the best option for darker skintones.
  
  Finally, the cult favorite is Biore Watery Essence so I'm linking it. I personally did not like how drying this was and its citrus smell, but the vast majority of people swear by it because it's really light and easy to use everyday in interiors.
  
  Japanese sunscreens generally contain alcohol and all the ones I listed do contain alcohol, so if you're against alcohol in sunscreen you might not like the ones I list, however there are some well liked alcohol-free Japanese sunscreens that you can find searching online, /r/AsianBeauty can be a good resource for these.
  
  The reason I personally like Japanese sunscreens in particular is their texture and their ingredients. Most of them contain Titanium Dioxide (a physical UV blocker) and/or Zinc Oxide (the broadest spectrum UVA blocker approved for sunscreen use at the moment). UVA are the rays you need to look out for when preventing sings of aging. This is what PA and the plus signs after it stand for in Japanese sun products, while the SPF we are all familiar with only refers to UVB protection. Four plus signs after PA denote the highest level of protection currently in place.
  
  The downside of physical sunscreen it that it tends to leave a white cast behind so darker-skinned people might have issues with this aesthetically.
  
  There might be western sunscreens that are physical but most mainstream brands (like Neutrogena) rely on their chemical patented formula (or a mix of physical and chemical like some of La Roche Posay), which is also good, but can be sensitizing to some people. They also do have a greasier formula that remains tacky at least in my experience, and some people really hate this about sunscreen.
  
  I don't personally use Korean sunscreens at the moment because their regulations only allow PA+++ to be the highest, but many people enjoy their variety, so again you can look in the AsianBeauty subreddit or on youtube/blogs if you want to read reviews of those.
  
  **
  
  
  
  If you for personal reasons would like to get a Western brand physical non-greasy sunscreen, Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 Tinted Matte Moisturizer contains Zinc Oxide protection and has a matte finish!
  
  Her line is overall well liked by people because of their choice of ingredients due to a philosophy of extensive research. I have this sunscreen and while I found it too drying for my normalish-to-combo skin, it could be a godsend for oilier people. Ideal for daily use, and it has some tint. I haven't tried any other of her sunscreens but her line is worth looking into, if you're new to building a routine! Unfortunately I'm just noticing that since my introduction to this brand in 2014 the prices have raised, most likely due to her online following growing.
  
  Final note: All of which I just wrote is stuff I learned from the Internet and also my personal experiences with the products I've tried and liked, I'm not a sun protection expert!*
  

Sure. I will offer up this as a super cheap example of a decent way to start. It will provide a decent shave at a very reasonable price and you can always upgrade later if you decide that you want to.

Razor. It is cheap as hell, but works surprisingly well.

Blades. Buying a sample pack is a great way to decide on a blade that suits you. Every blade is different for everyone. A blade that works wonders for me may leave you with razorburn or stubble and vice versa. Unlike most things cost is not indicitive of how good a blade is.

Brush. Some people prefer badger hair brushes, some people prefer boar bristle. I like both and I use both. This is a decent boar bristle brush for someone starting out. The more that boar is used, the softer it gets.

Soap. Believe it or not you can easily spend hundreds a year on soaps and creams alone if you decide you want to try everything out there. Proraso soap is a great one for a beginner though, easy to lather, slick, and protective. It gives a nice tingle to your face due to the menthol so that is something to be aware of though.

For under $45 you can get started with a full kit. For under $25 if you just want the razor and some blades.

Now here is my favorite setup

Razor. The Merkur 39c has a head that holds the blade at a slant, enabling it to cut more like a guillotine. This is good for someone like me that has very tough and wiry beard hair.

Blades. Astra Superior Platinum razor blades are my favorite. Each one will last me for 3-4 days of shaving. Remember, a blade that works for me may not work for you. Blades are a trial and error thing.

Brush. I have more expensive brushes, but this brush is my favorite. Very soft, yet has enough stiffness to easily whip up a lather and it holds tons of water.

Soap. This is a shave stick. You rub the soap on your face and then use your brush to build a lather. This listing is for 15 shave sticks. A single stick can easily last 6-9 months.

For about 130 bucks you can make a big jump in quality. The majority of costs involved are in the razor itself and a more expensive brush. If I wanted I could spend upwards of 200 dollars on a stainless steel razor and over 500 dollars on high end silvertip badger hair brush. As I have mentioned before, this hobby is as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be.

I hope this helps.

1. So that type of scrubbing wont be too effective in cleaning your face up and is more likely to cause damage to your skin. Apart from damage to your skin, doing that every shower likely isn't too much (in terms of drying out your skin or anything like that). But I'd generally suggest going with a more effective and less potentially damaging approach. Depending on the washcloth and how hard you're pressing/scrubbing it's probably better than, but there's some better options. I'd suggest an exfoliating scrub (i.e. something like this) to replace the scrubbing action. Basically there's very small "abrasives" that when you wash your face with it, it scrubs off the dead skin etc on the surface of your skin. I put abrasives in quotes just because of their size they aren't really abrasive to your skin in a bad way how one would typically think of it. A physical scrub is easy, quick, and works well. Recently there's been talk about moving away from physical & chemical exfoliators to only chemical. The "abrasives" used to mostly be plastic microbeads which are generally awful for the environment; they've mostly moved away from the microbeads now though. But there's also been recent studies that suggest that physical scrubs might cause microtears in your skin. Not a huge deal as there hasn't been a huge amount to back this up, but a chemical exfoliator would be preferable. I didn't go into it because people see chemical and think the process is involved and potentially dangerous. An AHA (i.e something like this) you put on your face just like you would a moisturizer and that's it.
   After exfoliating use a cleanser. You said your face is a bit oily, and I'm in the same boat there. Go with a foaming cleanser (i.e. something like this). This replaces the soap part of what you're doing now. Actually (physically) exfoliating will be better because of the size of the things actually doing the scrubbing compared to the looped fibers of the washcloth. Much smaller and will be much more effective without causing (significant) damage to your skin. Chemical exfoliation would be even better. I'll talk more about the cleanser here:
   
   
2. I've got the same issue and I use a foaming cleanser and then moisturize after. It's better to go with a foaming cleanser than a hydrating one because if your skin is already overly hydrating itself (the oil), and you use a hydrating cleanser, and you use a moisturizer it's just going to be too much. You'll feel like you're sweating. If you use a foaming cleanser, wash it off with water after using it, pat your face dry and let it air out a bit, your skin will be quite dry (borderline dried out). Put a relatively small amount of moisturizer on (one pump from the bottle, glob smaller than a fingernail). This will provide enough moisture that your skin hopefully doesn't feel the need to overly produce that oil, not too much that you're going to be even shinier than before. If even a small amount of moisturizer is too much and your skin is too shiny, maybe skip it and instead use the foaming cleaner periodically through the day. It will get your skin dryer (less shiny) and also keep it clean. It's worth pointing out that often the cause of overly oily skin is that your skin is in fact too dry by itself and your skin feels the need to put all this oil out there. I'd give the moisturizer an honest effort.
   
   
3. Absolutely. It's the reason I got into skincare in the first place. Exfoliate once a week, cleanser everyday and moisturizer after. Easiest and most generally effective approach to skincare. If you want to look into more specific issues, adding a BHA (i.e. something like this) into the mix can work well for people. Works well for blackheads, and shrinks pore size to prevent in the future - also can help with acne. General advice is to use after cleanser and before moisturizer, leave on for ~30 min, then moisturizer. r/skincareaddiction usually has some good advice for just about any specifics further than that.
   
   
4. Aftershave typically has an antiseptic like alcohol or something to avoid infection of post-shave cuts etc. and to clean out now-exposed pores. I use an electric shaver and don't use aftershave because there's never any cuts and I wash my face as described above after shaving to clean everything. And the alcohol will dry out and damage your skin.
   

If you HAVE to buy from Amazon.ca, the Parker 24C and the Edwin Jagger DE89 are available as /u/ketchuegrast mentioned. I'll put the links at the end of this post.

Italian Barber is in Canada and has some awesome choices for brushes, razors, and soaps, but they charge in US dollars. The products are for sure shipped from Canada however.

The Badger Shaving Co is based in Vancouver and payment is in Canadian dollars. I would say if your mom is hesitant, that could be your best chance to convince her to buy from a smaller merchant with better products. They have the Sterling synthetic brushes, a wide selection of artisan soaps, and some really good starter kits that include razors.

Mens Essentials is in Canada and payment is in Canadian dollars too... and they have a store if you live in that area, but it's a big country, so I'm guessing that's not going to be an option. ;)

If she still says Amazon or nothing you can always get your razor from Amazon and then pick up some Proraso soap from a Shopper's Drug Mart. Most malls also have House of Knives, and they sell Taylor of Old Bond St shaving cream for a good price. That might be easier for you to learn to lather with hard water too.

Feel free to PM me if your mom wants to email me about Badger Shaving and I'd be happy to answer any questions. A guy named Travis owns the company and he is awesome, so he would of course answer any questions as well.

Here are links to what I would say are the 2 best starter razors on Amazon.ca

http://www.amazon.ca/Edwin-Jagger-De89lbl-Double-Safety/dp/B002RBF1PO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452910352&sr=8-1&keywords=DE89

http://www.amazon.ca/Parker--Three-Double-Safety-Razor/dp/B00IDDW4Y6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452909274&sr=8-1&keywords=parker+24C

Is the redness just general redness in your skin, or is it redness leftover by acne? Either way:

I would start by finding a new cleanser, both AM and PM. Scrubs are very harsh and bar soaps are stripping and typically not the right pH for skin. Both off these things can compromise your skin barrier and make it look and feel worse, as well as inhibit it's ability to protect itself and heal. Your skin is your largest organ, don't think of it as something that needs to be dried out and stripped, it needs to be hydrated, moisturized, and healthy. I think this could definitely be contributing to your redness, at least in part. The most popular recommendations are listed in the holy grail cleanser thread, but CeraVe Hydrating, Neutrogena Hydrating, or Vanicream are good places to start.

I couldn't find your moisturizer, so I've got nothing in it specifically, but yet again, there's a holy grail thread for that. If you're concerned about redness, you could look for one that contains niacinamide, which helps a lot in reducing redness. CeraVe PM is a good drugstore moisturizer that contains ceramides, hylauronic acid, and niacinamide, all of which are very good for your skin.

The last thing you need for a good basic routine (and before you should start adding anything heavy duty like chemical exfoliation) is a good sunscreen. Wearing this everyday will help a lot with your redness. Oh look, a holy grail thread for that too!

Since you're relatively new at this, don't forget to patch test new products. And wait at least a week or two before adding the next new product. This can be time consuming but it makes it much easier if you start to break out to pinpoint which product is causing it.

Sorry, I realize this is very long, but getting a solid basic routine of cleanse, moisturize, and SPF is the most important and beneficial thing you can do. If you're getting into skincare and adding lots of things, you really need a baseline to fall back on if you need to. I'm glad you posted! Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions, this subreddit is very helpful and only wants you to succeed!

Edit: I totally neglected to mention the side bar in this sub. Not sure If you've checked it out yet, but it is full of fantastic information that is very helpful.

Oil Cleanser: Holika Holika Soda Pore cleansing B.B Deep Cleansing Oil

This stuff takes off ALL my makeup with a gentle massage. Every ounce of waterproof eyeliner and mascara comes off in under 10 seconds. When it comes in contact with water it emulsifies, leaving your face clean and soft with no oily residue. Magical stuff.

Cleanser: CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

My skin has improved leaps and bounds after introducing CeraVe to my routine. Both the cleanser and moisturizer are gentle and have improved my skin texture greatly.

BB Cream: Lioele Triple Solution BB Cream

Amazing coverage, great tone-matching and leaves my skin looking fresh and flawless. With skin brightening ingredients and SPF30, this is my go-to skin product.

Mascara: Clump Crusher

'Nuff said.

Eyeliner: Cailyn Gel Liner

A great find from Ipsy! This stuff is totally smudge-proof and with the applicator brush (included in the packaging), it goes on smooth and crisp. Perfect cat-eye every time.

Everyday Lip Colour: TONYMOLY Petite Bunny Gloss Bar in Juicy Apple

Even not including the beyond adorable packaging, I adore this lip balm. It gives a gorgeous sheer pinky hue to my lips. The formula is SUPER moisturizing and creamy. It goes on like butter, no stickiness at all. And less than 4 bucks a pop? Amazing.

Just start painting your nails and you will figure out what works best for you eventually. I've compiled a list of helpful links/videos that I've found helpful for me.

Dotting Tools:

• Cutepolish's video on how to make your own dotting tool.
  
• <$2 on amazon. It might take a while to get to you if it's being shipped from China though.
  
  Stripping tape:
  
  
• $1.08 on amazon.
  The trick when you use stripping tape is to make sure your polish isn't old and too goopy, otherwise it will not be so crisp.
  
• And use tweezers like this or this.
  
  Cleaning
  
  
• You will get the hang of cleaning once you start practicing. If you get better at application you will have to do less cleaning. This will come with practice. I suck at doing nails with little mess. So I use acetone and a slanted brush. This might be a good set to get.
  
• /u/ReneeJade 's post about cleaning up with toothpicks is very helpful too.
  
  Nail Polish Brands
  
  
• This depends on how much money you want to spend. I started with Sinful Colors because no mula. But the formula is kinda bad and takes forever to dry. And Sinful Colors stain your nails really bad in my experience. Sally Hansen is pretty good for the price. I only just acquired a couple of China Glazes and Essie's. They are pretty good but I only buy it when it's less than $3. I don't have experiences with Orly, O.P.I.
  
• Julep is okay in my opinion. Personally, I feel like they're not worth the price. One of my bottles just broke when I was turning the cap. And the other one (Julep Sasha) stained my nails really bad :/
  
• There are nail polish programs like Julep Maven (who do a free first box with code FREEBOX) and other ones that I don't know about but head onto /r/BeautyBoxes to find out more.
  
  Top Coat and Base Coat
  
  
• Orly bonder is a good base coat that I use. I don't have experiences with other ones, so I can't compare.
  
• Getting a fast drying top coat is probably a good idea. I use Seche Vite but it has a really strong smell and it shrinks your polish. I'm trying to find a new one but Sally Hansen Insta Dry didn't work for me. It smudged my nail art even though it dries pretty fast. Poshe is supposed to be good but I don't have experience with it.
  
  Nail Strengthening
  
  
• O.P.I. Nail envy is a lot of people's favorites but it didn't work for me personally. Just search this subreddit with "nail envy".
  
• Quimica Alemana. This stuff has good reviews and I want to try it.
  
  Nail file
  
  
• Use a crystal one. This one has good reviews or use an O.P.I. one. I use an O.P.I, pretty happy with it.
  
  Have fun painting!

I LOVE AZELAIC ACID. So I pretty well thought I would live with a red face forever along with a severely damaged moisture barrier. The biggest thing that helped me was azelaic acid. I use Melazepam from Amazon. Cheap and works! It's thick at first but smoothes into my skin leaving it kinda matte. At first it itched like crazy and I wasn't using it consistently enough. Then after more research, I decided to use it up and give it a chance. Along with anything high in ceramide, my skin got used to the 20% AzA. Maybe around the 10th day of twice daily use, my skin finally started to look normal. I also switch my oil cleanser to an olive oil based one and saw even more improvement in my redness. I've just added in Vit C to my under eye area and continuing to use Melazepam around the rest of my face and neck and my ENTIRE COMPLEXION is EVEN NOW! Would never have believed that was possible. Melazepam has also minimized my SFs on my nose, has finally stopped this ingrown hair on my neck from forming (I've had it for years!!!), and has cleared all the CCs on my forehead. I repeat: I loooooove azelaic acid, specifically Melazepam!

Current routine:

AM

Garnier Micellar Water - pink cap or Cerave Foaming cleanser

Cosrx Aha/bha Clarifying Treatment Toner

BELITAE Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid to my under eye area and upper cheeks

Melazepam to the rest of my face and neck, especially my nose. Sometimes I wait after the Vit C but not usually since I don't use them in the same spots.

I do wait 15-20 minutes after my actives step.

SCINIC First Treatment Essence 3 skin method. My face loves this more than the Missha FTE.

SCINIC Snail All In One Ampoule or SCINIC Honey All In One Ampoule depending on the day.

CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion

A'PIEU PURE BLOCK Natural Sun Cream SPF45/PA+++ I don't see much sunlight at all but when I do, this one keeps me from turning beet red imediately upon application.

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Derma Green-Cure Solution Recover Cream This is the best thing I've found for redness and skin barrier repair! My skin loves ceramides so much and this soothes like nothing I've found yet.

Medela Tender Care Lanolin Tube on my lips. Yes it's nip cream. I couldn't use it all up while nursing and it causes my skin to redden so it's perfect for a little lip color.

PM

ROHTO Hada Labo Gokujun Cleansing Oil My skin reacted to Holika Holika Soda Pore B.b Deep Cleansing Oil so this is my second one to try and I'm really enjoying it.

Cerave Foaming cleanser with a konjac sponge but waiting on
Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam in the mail.

Cosrx Aha/bha Clarifying Treatment Toner

BELITAE Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid to my under eye area and upper cheeks

Melazepam to the rest of my face and neck, especially my nose like the AM.

SCINIC First Treatment Essence 3 skin method.

All depending on how I'm feeling that evening:

LJH TeaTree 90 Essence

SCINIC Snail All In One Ampoule

SCINIC Honey All In One Ampoule

Cosrx Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence

Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

MIZON Snail Repair Eye Cream

Petitfee Black Pearl and Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch Not sure if I like these or not honestly...

Some or all of these layers followed by CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion and

Guerisson 9 Complex Horse Oil Cream

Pretty sure my shower filter, Mermosis, has also helped my skin and hair.

I also use sometimes REVITABOOST PEEL Anti-Aging Peel Pads or Cosrx Bha Blackhead Power Liquid but I skip my AzA on those days and just go back to my regular routine the following day. These are rare for me though because they make me ridiculously red again.

Things I'm waiting on in the mail:

ROSETTE Aqua Ceramide Gel

Rumase BIFIDA Snail Toner

Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam

It's Skin Power 10 Formula - PO Effector

Hoping the all work well for me too!

I had PIH too! I tried not to focus on those too much and simply let time heal them because they DO go away eventually! I've found that my vitamin C serum helped speed up the progress for this.

Ahhhh coconut oil happens to break a lot of people out but theres a few lucky ones who can tolerate that. I think the best choice would be baby oil (mineral oil) and see how it works for you from there since its a cheap option. I rub the oil on my face, splash hot water to heat up the oil, massage it into my face, then wipe it off with a towel. Oil cleansing is a great for oily skin because "like dissolves like" so oil would be the best thing to clean your face.

To make the step simple, I prefer to use a sunscreen with a high spf (30 or above) that is also moisturizing. I use this Japanese brand and althought I have a fairly oily t-zone, this sunscreen does not make it oiler during the day. I am sure there are cheaper options but I have tan skin so its hard for me to find a chemical sunscreen because physical sunscreens leave a white cast on my skin (so your options are expanded). As for the RoC cream, spf 15 is pretty low but it sounds like it would be a great night-time moisterizer for preventing fine lines and wrinkles! If it makes your eyes water, I would avoid the eye area.

For the benzoyl peroxide cream I use a Rite Aid store brand! It was very cheap and because BP can be drying, I dab a tiny amount of it on the specific acne spots instead of rubbing it all over my face. I've been using this for years so I never bothered to explore other options.

If you love the Simple Moisterizer, you can definitely use it in during the day AND at night but just make sure to use something with spf during the day. Sun damage can make PIH worst/longer to heal.

So your routine can be:


AM:

• Oil cleansing
  
• Sunscreen
  
• Moisterizer (or a sunscreen that acts as a moisterizer)
  
  
  PM:
  
  
• Oil cleansing
  
• Spot treating benzoyl peroxide
  
• Simple Moisterizer
  

I'm not going to rate because that's dumb, but there's a lot you can do actually.

• Your skin is pretty sullen. How's your diet? Incorporate lots more green leafy vegetables, berries and orange veggies like carrots and sweet potatoes into your diet. It does wonders for your skin and attractiveness. Also consider using alpha hydroxy acid and moisturizers on your face. I'm a dude and I swear by this stuff, you'll notice a difference in weeks. Follow up the wash with any lotion designed for the face like CeraVe.
  
  
• Make sure you're getting enough sleep! You have some minor bags under your eyes. A solid 7 hours per night plus the skincare stuff I mentioned should clear that right up.
  
  
• You have facial hair, that's good! But you need a trim badly. Your mustache is too bushy and you have hair high up on your cheeks. Go to a professional barber who knows what he's doing and let him do his thing. Ask him what you need to reproduce the look at home, likely some clippers and a straight edge razor. Also don't skimp on the beard conditioner! A soft looking/feeling beard makes a huge difference. And have you thought about going longer with your beard? I think growing it out and getting it groomed would really suit your face, it looks like it could get really full and nice looking!
  
  
  
• Body weight exercises. You're not fat, which is good, but you also look kinda skinny-fat and it's not a great look. You don't have to go to the gym to get in shape man. Buy a pull up bar, a kettlebell perhaps, and explore Reddit's bodyweight fitness community to get started. Lots of pushups and pull-ups will get you 90% of the way there, trust me. And it makes a huge difference in your overall look and your face.
  
  I speak from experience when I say this advice WILL work if you get started. I'm not saying you will be hot (you might), but I guarantee you'll be objectively attractive.
  
  Good luck!

Wall of text incoming, along with the products that work for me. YMMV with individual products, of course!


All of these are just what I use, and all have alternatives that may work better for you and/or be cheaper. This has evolved over the past two years, I didn't just pick all this up at once and start throwing it on my skin - start slow, and see how your skin adjusts to each step for a week or so before moving onto another product.

I do my "skin routine" morning and evening, with some variations depending on how much time I have and what time of day it is.

First, hydration. Looks like you've taken care of that one! Water, water, and more water is what helped the most. I go through roughly 3L of water at work if not more, plus more once I get home.

Second, I never use foaming cleansers. I cut out anything with foams, and went with a two step cleansing process: first, oil cleansing (I use Banila Clean It Zero) to get rid of the bulk of my makeup. Then I follow with a cream cleanser (Guerlain Lait de Beauty, but there are MANY more affordable options out there).

Then I use a toner. But not the stripping, Sea Breeze type toner, a moisturizing one. Currently using HadaLabo Hyaluronic Lotion. Don't let the "acid" fool you - hyaluronic acid is extremely moisturizing.

Every 3-4 days in the evenings, I use a chemical exfoliator (NEVER physical, my skin can't take it) in the form of a BHA and AHA. BHAs remove gunk from pores, AHAs strip dead skin. Both mine are from cosrx:

https://sokoglam.com/products/cosrx-bha-blackhead-power-liquid

https://sokoglam.com/products/cosrx-aha-7-whitehead-power-liquid

Some people leave them for 20 minutes, I don't have the patience, I just go right into the next step and add a sheet mask. If you're new to actives, this will be too often - do them once a week, max.

Then the fun part - sheet masks. I looove sheet masks. LOVE LOVE LOVE. Anything with Hyaluronic acid is my go to. My Beauty Diary Hyaluronic Acid is a staple. I let that sink in while doing whatever around the house. I do one of these a few times a week, every night if I can.

Then I go onto moisturizing. I have a variety of serums, essences, and oils that I use depending on how dry my skin feels, but my basic routine goes:

If my skin is extra dry, I add in an extra moisturizing step here. I use Miss Flower and Mr Honey in summer, Scinic All in One honey ampoule in winter. Or sometimes I use Guerlain Face Treatment Oil.

If my skin is red, I add in CosRX Snail 96 to help control it.

Separate eye cream, ALWAYS. Right now I'm loving Clarins Super Restorative eye cream.

Then the big moisturizers:

History of Whoo Jinyul Essence

History of Whoo Jinyul Cream

Final step for day, sunscreen - Biore Watery Essence SPF50 for daytime. Skipped at night for obvious reasons.

For the night routine, before bed I apply one of these masks:

CosRX Honey Mask

CosRX Rice Mask

Guerlain Abeille Royale Honey Mask

These give extra moisture at night while you're sleeping.

Again, this is not something that happened overnight - I can almost guarantee if someone takes this list and throws it all at their face at once, they'll end up a mess. I added things slowly.

If I was going to recommend an order, I'd go with this:

• If you're using a foaming cleanser, replace it with a cream cleanser the next time it runs out. No need to waste things.
  
  Wait a week.
  
  
• Add a GENTLE AHA. This will help remove dead skin and reduce dryness. Just once a week, no more.
  
• Add a Hyaluronic acid sheet mask, like the MBD one. It's affordable, and relaxing.
  
  You could swap the above two if you have a lot of cleanser left.
  
  Wait a week.
  
  Once you're used to those, add an essence. Something very moisturizing and rich.
  
  Wait a week.
  
  Look at adding in a sleeping pack.
  
  From there, pick what you'd like to address and add them in.
  
  I know it's a lot to take in, so if you have specific questions about any of this, just ask.

Hi! I have very dry, often dehydrated, extremely sensitive/reactive skin. Pardon the following infodump :)

I have had really great results with some Asian skincare! I have used the following products with great success:

Banila Co Nourishing Cleansing Balm for Dry Skin - Double cleansing has changed my life, no hyperbole. I don't get tiny blackheads any more. I use this first, and the idea is that it washes away any oil soluble stuff, like sebum, sunscreen, makeup, etc.

Hada Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser - Even if you only want to use one cleanser, I recommend this over Cetaphil any day. It is super gentle and does not dry out my skin AT ALL, even when I was using it alone before I started double cleansing. You only need the tiniest amount and it foams up into a rich, satisfying lather, so the bottle lasts forever.

Pyungkang Yul Essence Toner - I use this after cleansing and allow it to soak in entirely before any next step. If my skin is particularly dehydrated I do it a couple few times.

Hada Labo Japan Gokujun Premium - This is a serum type product that has 4 molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid AND urea, both of which dry skin is severely lacking. Helps me get my glow on. (tip: HA works by attaching to water molecules, so if you live in a dry climate you will need to spritz your face with water after this soaks in and allow the HA to do its thing)

CeraVe PM - This is pricier than CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, but I have found that my face likes it so much more. It soaks right in.

I love Asian skincare because for the most part you can find reasonably priced products that are formulated to let the active ingredients truly shine with no excess nonsense. I never used anything but Cetaphil until this year because my skin is SO sensitive, I can't even use regular laundry detergent. Discovering Asian skincare has been wonderful and I am truly excited about my results! If you are interested in learning more r/AsianBeauty is an amazing resource.

I believe the term you are seeking is "Zero Waste" living, or something close to.

Researching a bit of "zero waste" living products may help you get started with some ideas! I find a lot of material on youtube about zero waste living and am dabbling into the reality of the lifestyle myself. I am not sure if you are a man or woman, or what kinds of products you do use in your bathroom (toiletries, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, etc.) But I figured I would offer a few of my favorite alternatives to common items that you may look into.

Safety razors. Disposable razors/plastic handles with replaceable heads are convenient, yet highly wasteful and overall expensive to maintain. There are lots of stainless steel safety razors on the market with the feature of removable blades (of which you replace and recycle once your current blade has fulfilled it's purpose). Safety razors range from about $25- $50 and can last up to a lifetime. The replaceable razor blades can be found for very cheap (their lifetime lasts according to your usage). Here are amazon links to exemplary items:

Safety Razor: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NL0T1G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_boeIybWZE9JXX

Safety Razor Blade Replacements: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QY8QXM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_WoeIybSASAFBK

Homemade deodorant and/or natural sustainable deodorants: These can be tricky to get started with. Most commercial deodorants use aluminum to block your sweaty glands and completely block the process of perspiration. So, I urge you to take on natural deodorants with patience and give different methods a chance to work for themselves.

You can make your own, in a glass jar with ingredients that are less harmful to your body and this may be the best method to find something that aligns with your own body chemistry. A typical recipe for homemade deodorant would be 1 part coconut oil to 1 part bicarbonate soda (baking soda). BICARBONATE SODA MAY IRRITATE YOUR UNDERARMS. For the first couple weeks of usage, you may experience irritation of your glands purging the aluminum blockage and other toxins built up over time. Baking soda may also cause irritation to those who shave quite frequently, however I have found that applying this mixture at least 30 minutes after I shaved armpits in the shower, that I am less likely to get slight itchiness, if any at all. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY IF THIS METHOD IS NOT TOLERABLE FOR YOU.

If you are not keen on the idea of slathering on some good old homemade, Hippie salve, then Piperwai AND Schmidt's are popular brands with minimal packaging that seem to work for majority of people. These two products still contain bicarbonate soda, but will save you the convenience of not making your own. There are plenty of zero waste options that do not contain bicarbonate soda, but I have found luck with this formula and haven't looked beyond to seek anything else. Again, youtube is a good resource for finding such.

Piperwai Deodorant: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011SM7IGM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_FweIyb6Z2E2RM

Schmidt's Deodorant: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018K3HD62/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fxeIybH035978

As for soaps, there are many wonderful body, face, and hair soaps available on the market today. Investing in simple bars with paper packaging or reusable storage may be the best option for avoiding excess packaging. There are lots of options available either on Etsy, at your city Whole Foods, or there are usually natural soap options that can be found quite locally at farmers markets and such hopefully in your hometown. Personal preference will go into certain decision making with soaps but bars are usually the best way to avoid said packaging.

Hopefully this offered a small bit of help and information to help you get started in your journey towards minimalism and green-thumb consciousness! Good luck!

All right guys, so I'm constantly tweaking my skincare routine and would love some input. I'm currently 25 and only really started taking good care of my skin when I was about 21. For the most part I'm fairly happy with where my skin is at now. I have very fair, slightly sensitive skin (redhead) that tends to be mostly balanced, combination/oily with occasional dry patches. I rarely deal with blemishes these days other than a few blackheads and occasional cystic acne near my chin. The current issue I'm dealing with is how to properly use vitamins C and A in my routine so that I can reap the most benefits/use the best products while not overdoing it, or layering products unnecessarily. My current AM routine consists of (in order) a cleanser, typically Alpha Hydrox Foaming Face Wash, toner, Amara Organics 20% Vitamin C Serum since the water here is very harsh, TruSkin Vitamin C Cream, and a higher SPF sunscreen, typically Elta MD SPF 45. My PM routine consists of a cleanser, normally something different than what I used in the morning as I find that overusing the same cleanser can strip my skin. I follow with toner, Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum again, Amara Organics Retinol Serum 2.5%, and [First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream] (http://www.sephora.com/ultra-repair-cream-intense-hydration-P248407?skuId=1217744&icid2=products%20grid:p248407). I occasionally use a physical exfoliator, and am not currently using any eye-specific products as I'm prone to developing milia if a product is too creamy and I don't like the tacky feeling of a lot of eye gels. I live in Florida, so with my fair complexion I'm constantly trying to be proactive about preventing sun damage, while also delaying the appearance of damage that has already been done. That's why I really want to make sure I'm using the best Vitamin C product during the day. I know that the active in both my day serum and cream is SAP, but I've read that MAP is more effective at boosting collagen production, yet I have a difficult time finding products that utilize this form of Vitamin C. Also, I've noticed recently that 2.5% retinol (the product lists retinol, not retinyl palimate) seems to be A LOT compared with other OTC products on the market, and I really don't want to be overdoing it with this one, especially since I don't have any wrinkles yet, just a few fine lines that seem to come and go. Also, the issue of increased photosensitivity makes me nervous. I recently read some literature that addressed the concern that too much topical vitamin A could lead to toxicity, and I already have a diet rich in A vitamin. It might be worth noting that I haven't changed my routine considerably in the last few years, other than switching out retinol products as they became available/unavailable. Occasionally I will change some product out for another, but normally for something very similar (i.e. one vitamin c cream for another).

So, very long story short (sorry, guys), if you could recommend a Vitamin C serum or moisturizer, and a night time retinol product appropriate for my age and skin (preferably something with a lower active concentration), I would me much appreciative. The lighter consistency the better, as I do layer several products every day and I don't like the feeling of heavy build up on my skin. If you happen to notice anything else that you think I'm doing wrong, please let me know.

Check out a Merkur safety razor (https://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Long-Handled-Safety-Razor/dp/B000NL0T1G) and a sample blade pack from amazon.

Get an inexpensive shaving brush to start with to see how you like it, but eventually drop more money on a nice brush. Spend $10-$15 to start then expect to drop $50+ on a nice pure badger hair brush in a few months. The badger brush that I bought for like $70 I still have with me 4-5 years later (although admittedly I don't shave terribly often). Once you get that pricey brush, get a cheap plastic holder for it as well - keep the bristles pointing down instead of up - after using it leaving them facing upwards allows the water to settle around the base and weaken the glue holding in the bristles, ultimately destroying your expensive brush. Not good.

Check out Proraso soaps in a bowl - more convenient than paste or anything else, I've found. They have multiple types, here's my favorite as it makes my face a little tingly: https://www.amazon.com/Proraso-Shaving-Soap-Refreshing-Toning/dp/B00837YY18

If you prefer your own bowl, Proraso makes a paste and you can get a mug or bowl to mix it in - I found I preferred the ready-to-go stuff as it's faster and makes it more likely I'll shave regularly. :)

Then, after you've done all that and realized it's the best shave you've ever done and it's actually way more fun to shave than you ever thought it'd be, go for a straight razor. Don't do an actual blade, strop, and all that stuff right away. Instead, just go get a disposable straight razor blade holder and some blades: https://www.amazon.com/Equinox-Professional-Straight-Single-Blades/dp/B0118BJ0PA and learn how to use that thing. Then if you're like me and shave once every week or two (super lazy!) you can literally take weeks of beard off in a single pass with a straight razor and a fresh blade. I stopped here, personally, didn't go on to a full straight razor as they're pricey and you need to maintain it (oil, strop, etc) - likely something I'd let slide and ultimately wish I hadn't spent the money on...

Also, get a styptic pencil: https://www.amazon.com/Woltra-Styptic-Pencil-Small-0-25/dp/B000EGIEOE - it stings a bit when you cut yourself but almost immediately stops the bleeding. Unlike cuts/nicks with a multiblade razor, cuts with a safety razor or straight razor are actual "cuts" - and they bleed like cuts. Like, "blood trickling down your face" type cuts. They look worse than they are because you have water on your face and it thins the blood and it runs more, but it bleeds. This will stop that bleeding really fast at the expense of a little more pain right up front. I keep one handy.

I've turned several friends on to at least the safety razor. It's way more fun to shave that way, less expensive, and is better for your skin to boot. If you like a really close shave, too, you can get a better shave overall with a 3-pass technique (I don't do that, personally) as you get better. All sorts of options...

edit: mentioned the brush holder
edit2: styptic pencil

Tl;Dr OP delivers/is a faggot.

Haha, all right, I'll tell you everything I know. First, get these:

http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Model-180-Handled-Safety/dp/B000NL0T1G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346053195&sr=8-1&keywords=safety+razor

http://www.amazon.com/Tweezerman-2801-h-Mens-Shaving-Brush/dp/B000G647Y8/ref=pd_sim_hpc_1

http://www.amazon.com/Derby-Extra-Double-Razor-Blades/dp/B0032Q41LS/ref=sr_1_5?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1346053303&sr=1-5&keywords=Derby+double+edge

http://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Street-Sandalwood-Shaving-Cream/dp/B0007MW2ZW/ref=pd_sim_hpc_13

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Norelco-BodyGroom-BG2040-34/dp/B0037HP9OA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346053392&sr=8-1&keywords=Body+hair+trimmer

First, shampoo your groin hair with the strongest shampoo you can think off. The drier and fluffier the hair down there, the easier this is going to be.

Second, use the body hair trimmer while in the shower to get all the hair everywhere as short as you possibly can without making yourself uncomfortable. If you want to start above the dick, then start there to get accustomed to how the trimmer works then work your way to all the areas you wish to tame. I also shave my gouche etc, it's up to you. This will make the next part a lot easier.

Get some water and get it boiling hot. Then let it cool until you can touch it without seriously hurting yourself. The hotter the water the better but don't burn yourself. Now take the brush and soak it with the hot water. Then swish it around in the soap until you build up a nice foamy lather.

Lather that shit on there!

Here's the most time consuming part. You want to first go with the grain, shaving wherever you are first comfortable with. You want to use as small of an angle as you possibly can, I shave with the blade almost parallel to the skin. You do NOT push hard! It's a light grazing! LIGHT GRAZING! LIGHT! You use the weight of the head of the razor that is ALLLL the pressure you need! If it isn't enough pressure, increase the angle slightly.

EVERY time you pass by with the razor, you wash the blade in the water and apply new soap with the brush until you're satisfied. This keeps the soap and hair from clogging the blades and cutting something or ripping out a hair.

Always switch sides of the razor with each pass. This ensures near uniform wearing of the edges.

After you have passed by everything going with the grain, do the same against the grain. After you've done that, I go perpendicular to the grain for a grand total of three passes. Always cleaning the blade after every stroke, always re-soaping until you're satisfied.

After you've shaved everywhere, It's supposed to take a long time! Hurrying leads to awful bloody cuts! Then you LIGHTLY apply aftershave. It will always burn some, but not as much as it normally would! You whatever aftershave you have on hand.

For the balls, stretch out the skin as much as you possibly can and DO NOT APPLY PRESSURE! The same goes for the skin on your shaft if you have hair there.

Finally, baby powder that bitch! This will ensure you stay dry and clean and fresh all day!

At first, it will itch. There's no avoiding it. After you've shaved down there maybe 6 times, the itching will reduce until you don't notice it. ALWAYS USE A FRESH RAZOR! They're like less than 8 cents a piece, that's worth not having to worry about bleeding all over the inside of your pants!

And that's how I shave.

-------------------------------------------------------------
For those of you who don't have the time but still want to get the job done, here was an insightful post by reddit user: OftenStupid

Disclaimer: If you wish to ritualize some portion of your life, the above is wonderful and I can see how it would be very satisfying. However, If your goal is to shave your junk:

I'm with SuccumbedtoReddit, the guide reads like it was purposefully written for hipsters. What the fuck, a brush? a FUCKING BRUSH? Old-school decapitate-yourself razor?

Please, just get a decent razor like you would for say another part of your body that you do not wish to mutilate like say....ummm.. your face.

Use some warm water, you're in the fucking shower just turn the knob goddamn it.

Apply some shaving cream. No you won't make it, nor handcraft it nor pick it from the freshest cream-trees growing on the purest mountain tops. You'll go out and buy a can that reads "shaving cream" on the label. Apply cream. Fap, if the mood takes you there, as smearing warm creamy-like substances on your privates might do.

Shave. Apply some pressure. Shit, with most modern razors you can fucking hate-stab yourself with it without drawing blood. If you want to be cautious, start gently and proceed according to how much time you want to invest.

Wash it off, re-apply shaving cream, shave against the grain.

Trim the hair on the border between penis and belly, because no-one likes the "this area has been nuked from orbit" look.

Wash off, endure the itchiness for a day or two.

Play with yourself whenever and however you wish to, without the excuse that it's somehow a necessarry procedure.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You may have more nicks if you rush TOO much, but any nicks you get will be tiny and won't hurt or bleed that much. The above is more or less what I do when I'm in a rush, minus the shaving cream.

For starting off, I'd recommend a Tobeco Velocity clone as it's cheap and easy to build on. The two-post design (Velocity-style) has been copied by pretty much everyone else so you'll be familiar with the deck when you fall further down the rabbit hole.

A coil jig (Coilmaster, Youde, etc.) is very nice to have. The kits are usually a good value as they include an ohm reader, the jig, ceramic tweezers, and flush wire cutters, among other things and all in a handy carrying case. The ohm reader is especially important for your safety so you can tell if a build is shorted before putting it on your mod. The ceramic tweezers are nice because you can play with the coil to get even heating (for contact coils like Kanthal builds) while pulsing it without fear of shorting it or getting a shock.

For wire, 24g or 26g Kanthal is a good place to start for wattage builds. A common build is a single coil 6 wrap 24g Kanthal around a 2.5mm giving a resistance of about 0.5 ohms. The Velocity can handle single coil builds by having the coil set in between the posts as opposed to on one side of the posts. Alternatively, a dual coil 6 wrap 26g Kanthal around 2.5mm gives about 0.37 ohms and is another simple and effective build.

If you delve into temperature control, I'd recommend SS316L if your mod can handle it or has a TCR setting. It's easier to work with than Ni and Ti and you can dry burn it if you want without any harmful effects. It also works in both temperature control and wattage modes in case you feel like switching it up without building new coils. I like to shoot for 0.4 ohms with SS316L, so a single coil 6 wrap 26g SS316L around 2.5mm works perfectly. You can explore other gauges and wire materials once you get a handle for how temperature control works.

For those more exotic wires, twisted and claptons are fairly easy to make if you like to DIY. Otherwise, there are some manufacturers that have premade twisted and claptons on rolls and some have premade exotic coils if you just want to try some of those out. I stick to the simple builds because I mainly run temperature control, but will occasionally throw a clapton into my RDAs for fun.

As for purchasing things, you should be able to find RDAs and coil kits from your favorite vendors. Lightning Vapes is a good place to go for wire. The one thing is most of the wicking sold by vendors are a bit overpriced, considering you can get the same stuff in 150-200 piece packs for like $7-15 on Amazon (Labo/Puff, KGD, and MUJI cotton pads), so keep that in mind.

For resources on building, Steam Engine has nice tools (Ohm's Law, Coil Wrapping, and Wire Wizard) that can help take the guesswork out of coil building. You can play around with the settings to figure out how to build something that meets your needs.

Also, consider watching some Youtube videos and reviews of whatever RDA you choose to get a general idea on how to build and wick it, as each RDA or RTA or whatever may have its own quirks.

tl;dr - Get a coiling kit from your favorite vendor, it'll have everything you need to get started. Pick a wire and use Steam Engine to get the ball rolling. Watch videos specific to whatever RDA you choose for a quick start. Don't worry about the nuances and extreme variety as you'll eventually come across those in time.

Here's some suggestions of the things you asked for.

First, a shelf to put her polish and supplies on. I have this one from Amazon which I like a lot.
Some of my favorite brands of polish: Zoya, OPI, Sinful Colors, Essie.
I know several people get on Etsy and buy Indie polishes (polishes from independent businesses and manufacturers). I don't have any experience with those, but there's some great ones from what I've seen here.
If she enjoys nail art, a set of Nail Art Brushes and dotting tools would be a nice addition. Make sure in that group is a small, angled brush to do clean ups around the nail and cuticle. VERY important for a clean look.
A base coat and top coat is also important. Look for a quick drying top coat. I recommend Seche Vite. Just be sure to tell her to read the instructions/tips for using it. It's a bit different in some ways. :)
Also, some cuticle cream with moisturizers, cotton balls or pads, Q-Tips, and Acetone polish remover are also some things she'll need.
That should be a nice beginners basket for her. I'm sure you'll get other suggestions as well.

For me, blades last about 4 uses. And it was just using them and paying attention. Occasionally I'll shave 5-6 times, or only 2-3, if I forget how many times I've used them. To me it was pretty obvious when they were no longer sufficient for the job, and you'll learn as you go. The nice thing about that though, is that they're dirt cheap. I ordered a sampler pack, and tried probably 10-15 different blades before I settled on Astra Superior Platinum, and for me, and the razor I have, it's all I need.

This pack of 100 blades is 11 dollars.

That's about .11 cents per blade. For me that's around 400 shaves, give or take. And considering I shave at most every 2nd-4th day, at worst, that's ~30 blades per year. That's a three and a half years worth of blades almost.

I used to shave with a Mach3, and I liked the turbo blades. A 5 pack is 17.97 at walmart right now, or 3.59/blade. At best I could get 4 shaves, so lets do that math. I can get about 20 shaves out of a pack, and ~120 shaves a year. 6pks/year for 3.5 years is 377.37

Now I paid about 30 dollars for my razor, and I buy cheap van der hagen soap at walgreens, which is about 2 bucks, and 2 pucks I can fit in my bowl, lasts me about 4-6 months, depending on how crazy I get making lather. Plus after shave, I use Nivea sensitive skin, and use it as a pre-shave oil, and a post shave. I subscribe to amazon, and get 4 bottles every 6 mos for 18 bucks.

I've also bought 2 brushes, a boar brush(which was fantastic to learn on), and a nice badger brush from The Art of Shaving(great sale). Oh, and a large Alum block(which you may or may not want, but I love)

There's misc crap here and there, but my initial investment, over the course of just 1 year is not even 200 dollars, and now the only thing I need to spend money on in the next 2-3 years is shave soap. Which is 8-12 bucks a year, and aftershave, which is 36.

50 bucks a year for a shave that is something I now look forward too, it's a pleasure. I grab a frosty cold beer, take a wonderfully hot and relaxing shower, do all my pre-save prep(I prefer pampering), and then shave, post-shave pamper, and then relax. The whole process takes about 30-45 minutes, because I like to take my time and make sure I'm doing the best I can. It's marvelous. Compared to probably 400/year for canned cream and a shitty plastic razor, the choice to me is an obvious one.

Now it's easy to go overboard, and I made sure I felt comfortable, but I'm going to get another razor(if Joe at RR/IB can get that slant figured out), and different bowls, and mugs for lathering etc, and I'm determined to start trying different soaps, and scents, but even still, I'm satisfied immensely with my shaves now, and even going overboard, I'll never reach the cost of cartridge razors.

Awesome! All right, here we go.

Razors:

The difference between men and women's razors is that women's have longer handles and a smaller aperture for the blade. Men's usually have a wavy little comb bit that lifts up their thicker beard hair to cut.

The one I personally recommend is the Weishi. It's $17 bucks, and the metal is really light, but I ended up getting used to that fairly quickly. Not a big initial investment and perfectly adequate for my needs.

I see Murker recommended fairly often. I hear they are okay, if overpriced. I personally hated it, lol. They are definitely geared towards beards and did not play nice with my pale little legs.

You could also go for the vintage Lady Gillette. I paid $30 for mine on ebay and it's got a nice long handle, good grip, and nice weighty metal. This was actually my first purchase and I'm still really happy with it. Considering I'm happy with the Weishi, though, I'd probably just repurchase that one if I ever lose mine.

Blades:

Now this one might take some trial and error. Everyone has different hair and different skin and every razor brand shaves a little differently.

A lot of people start off with a multipack to get a feel for the different blades and then narrow it down to brands they like. I think it's a great idea and probably your best bet. I'll still mention my experiences though.

STAY AWAY FROM DORCO. They are bullshit. I'm not a fan of Gillette brand blades either except for the Wilkinson Sword and they're kind of expensive at $20 for 100. Derby is also just okay.

Feather: give the sharpest, closest shave ever. So sharp that you can cut yourself and you won't even notice until the trail of blood starts going down the drain. Great blades, and a ton of people like them, but I found that they dull too quickly for leg real-estate and are too scary sharp for sensitive bits.

Voskhod: Sharp, reliable, lasts through a few shavings. I quite like this one and have repurchased it. They are good, solid razors that gave a decent shave. Good for all-over.

Shark: My favorite at the moment. Comparable to Voskhod except I feel they might give a slightly closer shave and dull a little bit faster. If I had both in the bathroom I would probably choose Shark for the legs and Voskhod for everywhere else.

Astra: Worked adequately. Shave isn't bad or great, just reliable. Worked on the legs but not as good in other places. Wasn't worth a repurchase.

Lord: I think these actually lasted the most shaves out of all of them, at about 4 uses per blade. I think I had the least incidence of cuts with these but the shave wasn't as close as I wanted. My shaves usually last two or three days with the other razors but with this one I was feeling it lasted only 1-2. I think these are literally the opposite of the Feathers in terms of their qualities.

​

M'kay, that's all I can think of for now. I hope this helps!

Any particular reason you want to order from amazon? Ordering from other vendors focused on wetshaving could give you a better deal...

Feedback on the items:

• Merkur razors are good, but DE89 is generally regarded around here as a better starting razor. Cheaper at Maggardrazors or West coast shaving. Or rather, any of the DE89/86/83/8x, since they're basically the same razor and head, just small differences in the handle. But I personally started out with a Merkur 34C, same head as the 180, just a shorter handle. So the 180 would probably work fine if you fancy it for some reason.
  
  
  
• Personally I understand that you want to stick to one blade while learning, but I'm not sure about the use of a sampler pack then. Generally advice is to start shaving and try each blade twice until you find one that suits you, and then stick with that brand during your "trial" period. While learning that is. Bulk blades are cheaply avaliable from ebay (trusted sellers with many sales is a recommendation) or Turkish Bestshave
  
  
  
• I really dislike Pure badger brushes and will always recommend Boar brushes or a better badger brush instead. I'd recommend something along these lines: Omega boar brush, or a good value badger brush, Frank Shaving, Ian Tang on ebay, Silvertip, Frank Shaving, Ian Tang on ebay, Finest, or any Whipped Dog Silvertip
  
  
• I personally find proraso to be a solid shaving soap/cream, but there's plenty of other good ones out there :).
  
  
• I also really like the proraso aftershave balm, good stuff.
  
  
• Sample pack, see the above comment.
  
  
• Some form of styptic pencil or alum block is a good idea. Haven't tried that brand though, but /u/Leisureguy (?) recommends it, which I'd say is enough for me to believe it's a good product (I think it's Leisureguy that recommends it, if I'm wrong I apologies)
  
  
• Glycerine soap works as a preshave, just as any other preshave oil/cream.
  
  You could also check out this recent comment I made about starting kit, probably applies here as well :).
  
  When it comes to shaving stuff /u/Leisureguy is a pretty solid guy who knows his stuff, if he says something is bad, you probably should trust him ;). Avoid that VDH stuff, there's better value alternatives out there. The sites I've linked is just examples, there's plenty of good sites out there and depending on where you're based, different retailers and deals might be better for you. If you wonder about anything in particular, just ask :).

Oh! Do check out the SCA Routine then!

I definitely would get a dedicated fash wash, body washes are usually kinda harsh and drying. I always recommend CeraVe Foaming cleanser because it's gentle and great for all skin types!

Since you wear makeup, an oil cleanser or makeup remover at the end of the day is necessary to clear out gunk from your face! I like Ponds Cold Cream because it's non-drying but removes makeup well!

The Moisture Recs from the sidebar are also all amazing. CeraVe AM and PM are my faves to start people on, because CeraVe AM has sunscreen it helps people start using a sunscreen. CeraVe PM has niacinamide in it, which is a natural skin lightening ingredient (read: not bleaching!). It can help natural fade dark spots!

I'm not super familiar with melasma... but its dark spots so honestly a dedicated sunscreen is probably better than a moisturizer with sunscreen. Biore UV Aqua Rich is my #1 recommended sunscreen, and it is awesome under makeup.

A routine for you might look something like this:

AM:

• Wash face (either with cleanser or just water)
  
  
• Cerave PM (can be used in the day, don't be fooled by the name!)
  
  
• Biore Sunscreen
  
  
• (makeup etc)
  
  PM:
  
  
• Cold Cream
  
• CeraVe Foaming
  
• CeraVe PM
  
  
  Real simple! You can get fancy with exfoliants and eye creams and serums sometime down the road. But honestly it's good to start simple and build from there.

Okay! This is all great information to know. For me, I'm oily, sensitive, and sometimes dry skin. I have cystic acne on my forehead, and occasionally white heads. Here is what I've learned to manage my acne:

1. Drink a lot of water. The oiliness is a response to not enough moisture in your skin. Whatever trick you need to do to drink water, do it. I use a cycling bottle that I can squeeze water into my mouth - for some reason that is what gets me to drink water more throughout the day.
   
   
2. Cystic acne means that you're likely having a rush of hormones going through you. And the forehead acne is a sign of stress acne. I have that - I also struggled with anxious depression for about 15 years. I went on accutane for 5 cycles and it worked but the cystic acne came back every time. To deal with the cystic acne, it's best to realize when you're stressed, and to take breaks and breathers. On a physical aspect, I take three supplements. These supplements decrease the cortisol (stress hormone) levels and thereby decrease inflammation in the body that would lead to the clogged pores to become inflamed and creating cystic acne. One of the supplements is for anti-inflammation. This is what I take:
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Zyflamend-Whole-Body-LIQUID-VEGCAPS/dp/B00LLLPZ7U/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1479486517&sr=8-3&keywords=zyflamend
   
   http://www.gnc.com/GNC-Herbal-Plus-Rhodiola-Extract-340-mg/product.jsp?productId=19023576&network=g&device=c&creative=146786321001&c3ch=PLA&matchtype=&c3nid=15095492product_id=15095492&adpos=1o1&gclid=CjwKEAiA6rrBBRDsrLGM4uTPkWASJADnWZQ4TokiR06o1IAlh--HXcV0rtzsD5LfNxgjvAcOUMvzwBoCKBfw_wcB&eesource=CA_DF:19023576:GNC
   
   http://www.gnc.com/GNC-Herbal-Plus-Ashwagandha-Extract-470mg/product.jsp?productId=19431436
   
   The first is the anti-inflammation supplement. The last two are for decreasing cortisol levels. I used to take these every day. But the price is a lot. For the last two, you need high quality supplements, where the extract in the pills are close to 100% pure. I take these about every other day.
   
   
3. Your skin is clogged because it's dry. You'll need a good moisturizer. A good one is this one:
   
   https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Facial-Lotion-Ounce/dp/B00365DABC/ref=sr_tnr_p_1_11060901_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1479486705&sr=1-1&keywords=cerave+PM
   
   This moisturizer is good because it doesn't aggravate skin. And it also has ceramides, which increase the skin barrier and keeping in the moisturizer. I apply it in the morning and in the evening.
   
   
4. Lastly, we need to clear the skin by getting a better turnover of the skin. Unfortunately, the best way are chemical peels. And for someone with cystic acne, the best peels contain mandelic acid. You should try a toner with mandelic acid first. And then move onto a peel with mandelic acid. Here is what I use for an at-home peel:
   
   http://www.makeupartistschoice.com/MandelicSalicylic-Peel_p_131.html
   
   You have fair skin, yet it's oily. Go light at first, and then your skin will adjust and you can go up in time of the peel and the % of the chemical. The first few weeks to months, you might see more acne as the skin is turning over and the acne is coming up. It takes 3 months for the skin to fully turnover. And you'll want to wait that long to really get a good sense whether this regimen will work for you.
   
   If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. But, I'm happy to keep commenting.

After you have read up on this stuff, watched coil build videos, learned ohm's law, etc. I have some gear reccomendations.

Sigelei 100W+ box. The plus version is what I have. Dual batteries in series (that means it has an input voltage of 8.4V) and output from 10-100W. Floating pin (meaning you don't have to adjust it for different sized atomizers). It also comes with a silicon sleeve if you are butterfingers like me. That should run about $100 from most retailers, give or take $10. If you're handy and have some time, you can build your own box mod using a few different chips (DNA30/40, Yihi SX350, etc).

That brings up my second piece, batteries. DO NOT skimp on batteries, you need good ones. You need 2 18650 batteries that you keep together and only use in this mod. Switch the positions of them each charge. I recommend Samsung 25r batteries. High continuous amp limit (if you exceed it then the battery might fail), but they aren't really pushed up that far on a Sig 100W. That is more important with a mechanical mod. You also need a charger, the Nitecore D2 is a great one.

Then for an RDA (rebuildable dripping atomizer) I suggest a CLT V2+ like others here. It won't break the bank (about $35, or $12 clone from fasttech.com). Easy deck to build on because of the block centerpost. Good airflow, and you can restrict it as much as you need. You can also get an RTA (rebuildable tank atomizer) like a kayfun, fogger, or orchid. I have had bad experiences with these, mostly because I fucked up when building. That pretty much ends up with the full tank of juice emptying in your lap. But it can be done. I prefer RDAs for simplicity and the ability to change flavors if I don't want a whole tank.

You also need wick and wire. A-1 Kanthal is what most of us use. Its cheap, and 28 or 26 gauge is a good starting size. Higher gauge means smaller wire and higher resistance. For wick, I use rayon and japanese cotton. Any of these will last you a long time.

You don't need a resistance tester if you get a sig 100W, but it will be more precise than the box. You also need something to cut cotton (it is way harder than it sounds) like tiny scissors and something to snip wires like small flush cutters. Tweezers to squeeze those coils and make them look nice and purty are also nice to have. A small screwdriver set is perfect for wrapping coils. "Coil Jigs" are overpriced and necessary.

I would buy all the stuff I linked through Amazon, its cheaper there than most vape websites. For batteries and chargers, use Illumn or Lightning Vapes. Wire, resistance testers, and tweezers are also fairly priced at Lightning Vapes. There are a few places to get the Sigelei 100W+ and the CLT v2+. Fasttech is amazing and I love China. This site carries cheap clones of other devices. Good place to get RDAs if you are willing to wait for shipping and read the reviews/discussions. There are so many things I would never purchase because they are out of my budget that Fasttech made available.

BACKGROUND: I'm new to the world of skin care. I've never had a serious skin care routine before other than applying some acne creams a few years back when my acne was pretty bad. Now my skin is not terrible, but at age 20 I've had it with any sort of acne and want clear skin.

My skin is oily. I don't know if its very oily or fairly oily because I don't know what really oily skin is like or what a fairly oily skin is like. If I had to make a guess I'd say fairly or decently oily...sorry if that's vague.

This is what my skin looks like on an average day.

[This] (http://imgur.com/a/fGqbn) is what my skin looks like when it breaks out just a bit.

I'm showing you these because I read the FAQ and Wiki and I've narrowed my choices for cleansers, exfoliants, and moisturizers but I'm not sure which one to buy. For each category, this is what I've narrowed it down to.

CLEANSERS

• CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
  
  
• Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel
  
  
• Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser
  
  
• Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
  
  EXFOLIANTS
  
  
• Stridex Daily Care Acne Pads with Salicylic Acid, Maximum Strength
  
  
• Neutragena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion
  
  
• Olay Age Defying Classic Night Face Cream
  
  MOISTURIZERS
  
  
• CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30
  
  
• Olay Complete Defence Daily UV Moisturising Lotion SPF 30+
  
  
• Paula's Choice Clear Ultra-Light Daily Fluid SPF 30+
  
  
• Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 30
  
  
  MY QUESTION: Are they all sort of the same? Based on what I told you about my skin, which product from each category should I get? Should I get something that's not on the list? This list is based on the Recommended Routine, so maybe there's something that's not on it that you think would work better. Any help would be really appreciated. I'm trying to avoid having to go through too much trial and error since as a college student I'm slightly broke, so I'm trying to make an informed purchase. Also, sunscreen is highly recommended if you exfoliate, but if the moisturizer has SPF does that mean I don't need to buy sunscreen? Thank you guys in advance.

Hi everyone, I'm new here, and new to skincare in general. Hoping to get some help with my acne and blemishes.

For background, I am male, turning 22 in the fall, and I've never really had a standard skincare routine. I hate putting stuff on my face in general. I tend to avoid moisturizers and creams and lotions and all that. I don't like the oily feeling, but I'll try putting up with it to help my acne. Always thought it would start naturally clearing up around this time in my life and never worried about it too much or looked it up. It's gotten a bit better recently, but I still get a lot of breakouts and this chronic big one on my left cheek too.

Thanks for any help in advance!

Issues: Acne and acne-related blemishes. Occasional, but minor, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. (Just learned that's what that is from reading through the sidebar stuff!)

Skin Type: I have no idea. I read through the link provided and still not sure how to classify. Combination I guess? I think my skin is slightly dry in general, but I tend to sweat a lot (especially with the hot Californian summer sun), so it gets oily sometimes.

Current Routine/How Long: I usually just wash my face with water pretty regularly. For most of my life (since I was about 15) I would use these two St. Ives acne-face washes (Apricot Scrub and Green Tea Scrub) anytime I showered. In the past couple months I've switched to this Neutrogena Daily Scrub and this Clean & Clear moisturizer, but I still use them pretty much just after showers. For about the last week or so, I've been trying to get into the habit of using them both daily. Was going to start trying twice a day for the scrub.

Anything New: Definitely a big increase in the frequency I use my cleaners. Using moisturizer more in this last week than ever before in my life too. Not a lot has changed so far though. My skin has just become a little softer I think.

Location: California Bay Area


I feel like it should also be known that I teach martial arts so I spend a lot of time running around getting sweaty and dirty and also a lot of time on the ground, sometimes facedown on the mat or getting other peoples' hands across my face. I've also been a terrible picker for a lot of my life, but I've been pretty good about it lately.

Here's some stuff I've been looking at trying from my research recently, including looking through this sub's awesome sidebar info.

1. Stri-Dex Maximum Strength Medicated Pads OR
   
   
2. Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Night Cleansing Pads
   
   
3. Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel OR
   
   
4. Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-On Mask
   
   
5. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
   
   
6. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
   
   I also haven't looked into sunscreen at all because I have fairly dark skin and am pretty sun-resistant already. Other than Pokemon Go recently, I don't spend a lot of time exposed in the sun anyway. And when I do, it's usually early morning when it's not too strong, or around sunset when I go out after work. I hear it's kinda important though, so I would appreciate recommendations for that too.
   
   Please and thank you to anyone who can help me! Sorry for the long post.

This is great, I can make better recommendations now. Dove bar soap is great if it doesn't dehydrate your skin, you don't really need a expensive soap; I'd also compare Dove to Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash to see which is cheaper. You said your skin types "dehydrated" so I'd stick to using your CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser only on your face, but make sure this isn't the reason your skin is dehydrated (I don't know if your cleanser foams, but foaming cleansers can further dry out people with sensitive skin). Ultimately, your skin shouldn't feel tight or dry after showering.

If your skin is just dehydrated then you don't really need to add an exfoliant because, yeah they are priced way higher in Canada. Chemical exfoliants are more for evening skin tones and cleaning out pores, but you can check out SN AHA Toner, they should ship internationally. (Even in the US chemical exfoliants can be super pricey)

I personally don't really see a problem with deodorant with aluminum, but I know Lush carries aluminum free deodorant bars and powder that're reasonably priced in Canada, Arm & Hammer has their Essential Deo line, and a lot of vegan deodorants are aluminum free, I have no idea how well any of these products work though :(.

Applying lotion after showering can be really good, doing this seals in moisture. I don't know what CeraVe product your using as a moisturizer, but CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is really good at rehydrating skin due to it having ceramides. If you think that's too expensive/already using it, you can just use it to focus on areas that are really dehydrated; but I'd also check out this lotion. HadaLabo Lotion is a reasonably priced Hyaluronic acid thats great for dehydrated skin and if you use it for full body it should last awhile.

The cocoa butter is more of a cheap alt. for a deep thick moisturizer. Just a warning, I'd be careful with finding a high concentration glycolic acid; those are AHAs and over 15% they verge into chemical peel territory, constant use without having a tolerance can really mess up your moisture barrier. For reference I use Alpha 12% lotion a glycolic acid 2-3 times a week, but it's way more expensive in Canada and this is after using lower concentration acids for about 6 months^^super ^^good ^^for ^^my ^^scars ^^though . My skin types definitely not like yours though so if you can find something cheap I don't want to discourage you, I'd say go for it.

Last thing, I'd look up on humectants and occlusives, you said you use vaseline so I think you have that covered though. I use something akin to vaseline at night after everything else to seal all the moisture in.

I really tried to curate this to you so nothing would be too expensive, but if you use anything recommended it should help a lot. Focus on moisturizing, don't get discouraged we're our own worst critics, post to the sub if you have anymore questions-everyone heres pretty friendly, and good luck!

So I'm a beginner but I've been researching PIH a bit recently. If you have not look at this link from the sidebar yet, I highly recommend it. Basically besides AHA and a retinoid, sunscreen, niacinamide and vitamin c can help with PIH. Elta MD SPF 46 is both a sunscreen and have niacinamide (5% I think) which makes it popular against PIH. Cerave PM or elta MD PM (not the sunscreen, the moisturizer) are moisturizers with niacinamde. I'd say number 1 and I think you know it you need a sunscreen. I know you said that the EltaMD sunscreen is too expensive but it may be cheaper to get it versus buying another cheaper sunscreen and a separate product w niacinamid or vitamin C? Vitamin C worked great for me against PIH (I also wear sunscreen) but a good one is way more expensive than the sunscreen. I personally think that vitamin C would be in addition to sunscreen, not an alternative to it. My 2c but I hope it helps!

Edit: I haven't used Cerave in the tube so I can't compare but I really like cerave PM! it's a very nice texture, absorbs well and it's not too rich at least for me (which makes me wonder if it will be enough for the winter here (illinois)). Looks kind of like a gel, a bit translucent. Plus it has niacinamid you may help for the PIH as I mentioned earlier.

The Griffin 25 can be a bit finicky with wicking but is an amazing tank imo however I would strongly suggest looking into the Griffin 25 Mini, I really do like the improvements they made both to the deck and to the wicking system and with its reduced chamber/small chimney you should get noticeably better flavor when compared to the original 25'. As for your other question, down below I will link some quality building tools that are very effective and are quite inexpensive.

Wire cutters: https://www.fasttech.com/product/1243300-plato-170-flush-cutter-for-rebuildable-atomizers (3$)

ceramic tip tweezers for squeezing coils: https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10005391/2134901-vetus-heat-resistant-stainless-steel-tweezers-for (3$)

needle tweezers : https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10005391/1431601-vetus-stainless-steel-tweezers (1.50$)

cotton (puffs, labo): https://www.amazon.com/ORGANIC-Cotton-Makeup-Puff-Medium/dp/B000TCD51A/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1467837978&sr=1-1&keywords=cotton+puffs (6.50$ for like 200 sheets or something)

coilmaster jig: https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10012320/3721500-coil-master-v3-6-in-1-e-cigarette-wire-coil-winder (7.50$)

alternatively you can spin your own coils with this jig: https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10010836/1986902-vaping-coil-winding-jig-tool-for-rebuildable (2$)

cotton cutting scissors : https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10002881/1215700-precision-stainless-steel-thrum-scissors (1.50$)

wire-cutters: https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10003258/1243300-plato-170-flush-cutter-for-rebuildable-atomizers (3$)

pliers: https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10003268/1244207-wlxy-mini-professional-long-nose-pliers (3.50$)

Remember when ordering from fasttech either use e-packet or DHL unless you want to have to wait like a year to get your stuff lol. You can also get wire from fasttech however I would Strongly suggest getting all your wires from Lightning Vapes, they have very high quality stuff for cheap also their premade 26x2/36 fused clapton spools are phenomenal. Hope this all helps sure you can just buy a builders kit but know you will be paying about 15x the amount you would if you just bought them separately however it is definitely really convenient. Hope some of this helps.

http://www.carolinaxtract.com/ - http://www.vaperstek.org/ - https://www.nudenicotine.com/

In that order because you never want to cut corners on nicotine ever. Everybody talks about the pepper taste but I've never had that because I went through those three. Nudenicotine actually will give you a free 15ml sample with $2 shpping.

With PG/VG they are 99% all the same so don't get trapped into any gimmicks or anything. Just get the Essential Depot's PG/VG from Amazon which is around $10 for a quart.

While you're there you might as well pick up some cotton which like PG/VG don't fall into all the BS because it's all pretty much the same. Get: https://www.amazon.com/ORGANIC-Cotton-Makeup-Puff-Medium/dp/B000TCD51A/

If you don't have Prime and need something to get the free shipping you might as well pick up the scale now: https://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-LB-501-Digital/dp/B005UGBG20/ -- Those 4 are what the majority of us use by a mile. Just pick up some pipettes and bottles and you are actually pretty much 100% set for DIY, it's that easy. By the time an average person rolls their coil and wicks their tank I could bust out a gallon or 3 of e-juice.

http://www.bullcityflavors.com/ - http://www.ecigexpress.com/ - http://gremlindiy.com/ - You're all set now.

I've been DIY for a year now and still have 1/4th of the VG and 3/4th of the PG left doing around a 65/35 VG/PG mix. The cotton is a different story however, that bag honestly will last about 7 years which is conservative and 10+ wouldn't shock me. It was probably my best purchace ever and it's so nice to never have to worry about cotton again so I can focus that energy on buying way way too many vaping hardware and supplies. My pantry is pretty much dedicated to vaping and I have to admit that I'm an addict.

It's a fun hobby coming from a background where I was building 386's as a kid so it's up my alley and it saved my life. I don't care care about the death part but more of my lungs hurting when I wake up, had no energy and killed any cardio to the point of running up stairs was an issue. The worst is the smell though, especially if you haven't been around it for a while. I let somebody smoke two in my apartment a few weeks ago in the open and not out the window. My F'N GOD, for the next 3 days I was spaying so much shit, washing every damn thing that was washable, to even scrubbing my walls because I couldn't even sleep waking up in the middle of the night with that distinct sweet horrible smell that lingers like crazy.

How they are legal compared to other things that actually will improve your health to the point where it will actually shrink cancer tumors in THC/CBD. Dextromethorphan and Ketamine which is the only thing known that helps with my rare intolerable disease. Tryptamine drugs like DMT that would instantly reshape how society thinks and acts being the best method for us to grow as a species which could take tens of thousands of years still and it should be our #1 goal in life to get the ball running in our little Century.

ok here's what's worked for me and my dry/dehydrated/sensitive/acneprone skin! i broke out in closed comedones and small whiteheads mostly around my chin/mouth area mostly, had constant redness and flakiness was common. my skin isn't perfect but much more clear, moisturized, and healthy. little to no scarring and any spots that come up leave quickly.pretty normal skin after years of experimenting, 1 year of experimenting on SCA. hope this helps anyone!

cleanser: cerave foaming cleanser at night, sometimes in morning. i use cool water when using the sink. 12 oz bottle lasts forever, i use it for body in shower too.

moisturizers: alternate between Avene trixera emollient Cream & Balm. can do reviews on these if anyone would like since they are not well known. both contain several oils, but cream is more oily/dewy while the balm is thicker and seems to dry/set more. enormous ~13 oz bottles can be purchased through amazon so these will each last me a year at least.

sunscreen: hada labo uv creamy gel. contains alcohol but not as high up as other comparable sunscreens. also contains hyaluronic acid. similar alternative for those wanting to avoid alcohol is Hada labo uv whitening gel- contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin c. small bottles but relatively affordable.

exfoliants: paula's choice 2% bha liquid and 8% aha gel. i use the AHA most nights and 1-2x a week use the bha instead. i no longer use exfoliants in the morning (used to do bha in AM and aha in PM but found it was too much for my skin type, and reducing frequency helped without sacrificing results). may seem expensive upfront but i'm still using the 2 original bottles- the bha i bought around august and will still last me another couple months so between the size & referral codes it's a bargain.

makeup remover: Almay oil-free makeup remover pads. been using these for a decade. use them to remove eye makeup so that when i cleanse my face, my mascara isn't running over my skin. very gentle on eyes.

makeup- NARS radiant creamy concealer and more recently purchased the new Bare Minerals complexion rescue gel. NARS- does a great job at concealing without causing any skin issues. BM- pretty sheer coverage that does not break me out, and i do believe it helps keep skin moisturized and calm.

so essentially AM: avene trixera emollient balm/cream, hada labo sunscreen, Bare minerals complexion gel

PM: almay makeup remover pads over eyes, cerave foaming cleanser, nightly 8% AHA or 1-2x week bha liquid, avene balm/cream.

extras: nexcare acne patches to help heal any spots and try not to pick!

edit: added links

Congrats on quitting smoking! I don't smoke but I've seen so many relatives struggle to quit or fall off the wagon. Good for you!

As for your skin, retinoids are pretty great, as with vitamin c. Your routine is fine if you're liking it. I too have very dry skin and minor fine lines developing on my forehead (and I'm 22!), so this I can help you with.

Rhoto Hada-Labo has a pretty great hyaluronic product. I've been using it and liking it. You can tell when I haven't used it in a few days. It's a freaking huge bottle for less than $20.

If you're in the market for new exfoliants, AHAs are great for fine lines and PIH. St. Ives Exfoliating Pads and Silk Naturals AHA Toner are two well liked AHAs here, but don't put any chemical exfoliants in the same routine as a retinol. Use one in the morning and the other at night.

EDIT: added links

My routine isn't perfect right now, my skin still feels dehydrated and sensitive but it is definitely helping. It doesn't burn half as much as it used to, looks better, and I sometimes can notice a difference in it feeling dry and tight vs. the constant stinging feeling I used to get.

The hadalabo products i've added in very recently and are excellent and cheap

<br />
AM:<br />
Cleanser: LRP Toleriane Cleanser<br />
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
Moisturizer:<br />
When face is still wet but not dripping use HadaLabo Gokujyn Lotion (NOT the light lotion)<br />
http://www.amazon.ca/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Lotion/dp/B000FQUGXA<br />
<br />
~~~<br />
<br />
Followed by:<br />
Cera ve PM<br />
<br />
~~~<br />
<br />
Cera ve moisturizing cream in the tub<br />
<br />
~~~<br />
<br />
LRP Lipikar (this is technically a body cream but the derm gave me some samples and told me it would be good for my skin.  It is thick and a nice top later moisturizer)<br />
<br />
~~~<br />
<br />
Little bit of aquaphor on forehead and around cheek/brow bones (this is awkward as I have bangs but they are short bangs)<br />
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
PM routine, the same, maybe no facewash, just water, with much more aquaphor.<br />
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
I also recently started using sheet masks, I can highly recommend the hadalabo gokujyn sheet masks as well.  If you use them after washing your face and applying the hadalabo lotion, they absorb very quickly and make your skin feel amazing afterwards.  Seriously, order some sheet masks.  You will not be disappointed.<br />
<br />
This routine isn't perfect and I plan on posting it for feedback soon.  Cera ve is great but I'm looking for something stronger that I can also afford (If you can afford it look into the cheryl lee cream,  Someone recently described it to me as Cera Ve on steroids).  I'm using the PM as well as the cream because it absorbs really easily (something my skin has issues with) and as a way to get Niacinamide into my skin as well.<br />
<br />
Aquaphor is great.  Initially I was using just cera ve and the LRP, after a few months I finally bought aquaphor.  After two weeks of aquaphor I noticed that my moisturizer began to absorb much much faster than it had before.  (My skin is very bad at absorbing moisture, no matter how dry and painful it feels)<br />
<br />
I would definitely consider looking at the LRP cleanser, aquaphor and the hadalabo products.  All are fairly inexpensive and accessible online.  The LRP cleanser is probably the most expensive (I bought mine for 23CAD$) but i use like half a pea size amount to wash my face so I feel like it will last me a very long time, probably past its expiration date :p.

For me what really, really helps is using a BHA product, every day. I use a Korean one but Paula's Choice BHA is also very good. You also should use a very light moisturizer as well as a non drying cleanser.

Here's what I do in the evening:

• Wash face with KOSE COSMEPORT softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil or CLINIQUE
  Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. Both are really good to remove makeup.
  
• Apply AHA exfoliant like COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid or PC's RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment With 5% AHA. Wait 30 minutes before the next step.
  
• Apply light moisturizer like Mizon Intensive Skin Barrier Emulsion or PC's RESIST Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator
  
  My morning routine is a bit different:
  
  
• Wash face with KOSE COSMEPORT softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil or CLINIQUE
  Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm.
  
• Apply BHA exfoliant COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid or PC's SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant and wait for 15-30 minutes depending if I'm in a hurry or not.
  
• Apply moisturizer with SPF protection like 3W CLINIC Intensive UV Sunblock Cream or PC's SKIN BALANCING Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30
  
  I keep my routine really simple. I have serums and oils that I use during winter when my skin gets dryer. The fun thing about combination skin is that you have to use 2 different products. Some are tailored towards your oily zones and the other to help the dryer ones. I find that I use a light moisturizer daily and keep a more moisturizing one for the evening during colder months.
  
  Oily skin can be dehydrated. This will make it even more oily.
  
  Also, if you are open to it, I find that using a setting powder really helps to control the shine. It doesn't look like you have makeup on if you use it on it's own (not sure if you are comfortable with makeup or not). I suggest:
  
  
• Innisfree No sebum mineral powder
  
• Urban DecayDe-Slick Mattifying Powder
  
• Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
  
  I hope this helps!
  

I'm kind of in your boat. When I switched from the pill to a hormonal IUD (Mirena), I got this really weird neck breakout (I'd never had acne on my neck before). The breakout started in mid July, lasted around 1.5 months. It was never severe, just oddly placed for me and persistent. I love my IUD and super light periods that come maybe every 2-3 months, and, like you, I'm not good at taking the pill on time. So I figured I'd do my best to attack the acne, even when I kind of knew the cause.

Try out the beginner's routine linked in the sidebar. Don't go too crazy adding multiple products at once in case one breaks you out or is irritating. For example, CeraVe "in the tub" (cream) is a holy grail for many people on this sub, but it gives me horrendous acne.

If you stick with the BP/tret scrip, find a moisturizer and sunscreen that work well for you. Both of those ingredients are known to work quite well, but they can be pretty irritating, especially in the first ~4 weeks, and tret is photosensitizing (i.e. makes your skin burn and get damaged more readily). Also give them time to work. Retinoids like tretinoin can often take up to 12 weeks for a positive effect. BP tends to work much faster. Use a thin layer of the tret, and if it's too irritating scale back to every other day until you tolerate it better.

Regarding product recommendations: BP and tret will dry you out and irritate your skin at first. Stay with very gentle products. If you're interested in the oil cleansing mentioned in the sidebar (whether or not you follow it up with a foamy cleanser), that can be pretty gentle and non-drying. Otherwise, a gentle cleanser. Don't add any new topicals for now. Your skin will be kind of pissed off at you for a bit while it gets used to the BP and tret. Moisturize, a lot. I've had terrible luck finding moisturizers that don't break me out - cerave cream felt fantastic but broke me out like crazy. I now use (and adore) this Hada Labo "lotion" (more like a thin gel, but works fantastically) and, at night before bed, top it with a water-soaked compressed mask to give the hyaluronic acid in the lotion lots of moisture to pull in, since the air is super dry where I am right now. For sunscreens, I love love love Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence. Be sure and patch test that one if you try it out, since there's some alcohol in there that could be irritating on top of the tret. In terms of topicals, I have a niacinamide/azelaic acid/clindamycin combo from Curology that has worked wonders for me. I've used BP and retinoids in the past and my skin was just too sensitive for them.

My current routine (Curology topical + keep everything else gentle + finding a moisturizer that doesn't break me out) has really helped with the acne I suspected was from my switch to the IUD!

/r/wicked_edge has lots of great advice. I'll boil a lot of it down for you though..

1. Stop using the 17-bladed nuclear-powered vibrating cartridge monsters with extra lubricating strip and kung-fu grip. Similarly, no electric shavers. They're really electric hair-ripper-outers. Not kidding. Kick it old school, like your grandfather. Look at a double-edge safety razor, or if you're really looking to go all-in, consider a straight razor.
   
   
2. Think about your shaving cream. Does it come out of a can using aerosol? Maybe rethink that too then. Plenty of options out there that don't involve chemical-laden aerosol-propelled goo. You can even really turn the clock back with a cup/bowl/mug and brush setup to whip up a nice lather. I'm a fan of Taylor of Old Bond Street. But, I've also used DR Harris products, and they're quite nice as well. One of the side benefits of my former job was all the trips to London, so I could just stop into the ToBS shop on Jermyn Street. Sadly, those days are past, so I rely on the kindness of co-workers that still go over. :) It's easy enough to get their products in the US, it just costs a bit more.
   
   
3. If you go the DE route, get a sample pack of different blades. Different blades work differently on different guys. For me, Derby blades are death. For others, they're amazing. For me, I work well with Astra, or can manage Feathers if I'm really careful (they're super sharp). My best blade though, has been a Personna medical prep blade.
   
   
4. Shave in passes. Do a with-the-grain pass, followed by an across-the-grain pass. If you're really not there yet, you can add an against-the-grain pass, but that's a pretty advanced move. Remember - you're doing multiple passes. You don't need to remove every bit of hair the first pass. You don't press the razor into your face (as you're probably used to!). This razor has heft, and a blade that's really sharp. You're accustomed to a lightweight razor that has blades that are as dull as a hunk of cardboard compared to your garden variety DE blade.
   
   
5. Use a quality aftershave. Try to avoid ones that contain alcohol, as it dries out the skin. I love the Nivea sensitive skin stuff. I can get it for way cheaper than that link shows at Walgreens, Target or Wegmans though.
   
   Many folks will try to sell you on the economics here, and how much money you'll save by shaving this way. While possible, it's not necessarily so. One can go bonkers and spend hundreds on the best gear if they wish. BUT, you don't have to.
   
   For me, I use a $30 brush from whippeddog.com with a $5 mug from Target. My cream (ToBS Jermyn St) runs about $15 a tub, which lasts me probably 6-9 months. My daily shaver is a $30 Edwin Jagger, and my blades run about $30 for a 100-pack. I get 2-3 shaves from each blade.
   
   If you run the numbers, you'll likely come out ahead by going to DE, get better shaves, and have better skin as well. It sure was cheaper for me. I used to go through a cartridge a week. So, that's 4 carts a month. I was spending $30-ish every other month on 8-packs of cartridges, or about $3.75 per week. Nowadays, that's 2 blades a week, at ~$0.30/blade, that's $0.60/week in blades. That's a massive savings alone.
   
   You can do the ROI analysis for yourself. Take into account what you'd spend on shaving supplies, and calculate at which points the cost lines cross (ie break-even).

I know everyone else already said this, but you look beautiful. Not just saying that.

Looks like your routine is pretty good so far. I would add more moisturizers though. I have combination skin which can get very oily in my T-zone, so a few years ago I didn't think I needed much moisture at all. Now I have added tons of different moisturizing steps and I love the results. I'm 28, so about the same age as you, and I've never been happier with my skin. I really do believe it makes you skin bounce back more easily and not hold wrinkles.

You generally want to layer lighter/liquid products, then lotion, then heavier creams. Some of my favorite products: Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion (syrup-like consistency, you add just a few drops. I mix it with a tiny bit of water or my PC toner. Lots of hyaluronic acid to plump the skin), PC skin recovery toner (meant for dry skin, but very light and refreshing. I use my hands to apply and the bottle lasts a long time, almost a year), Laneige Multiberry Yogurt Repairing Mask (I use this when my skin is feeling extra dry. Also, you can get a sample of this for $5 at Target), Aquaphor (use at night to seal all that moisture in). Cerave cream is pretty nice. I really do enjoy most of the cerave products, like the PM lotion, the regular lotion (more watery than the cream), and the Skin Renewing night cream (pricier than the others but really makes my skin look amazing). I would recommend trying some of these steps both morning and night.

As already mentioned, Botox might also be a good option for you. If you don't like the results, it does fade after a few months.

Hello~ I've been stalking the Korean beauty industry for years, but have never committed due to random reasons. I want to try my hand at it next year (need to use up my stupidly expensive Sephora products). Here's a routine I created - mostly from Snow White & The Pear's reviews. For the record, I have eczema (thanks god, no flares right now) and sensitive (contact allergies), oily skin. I know. How can I have eczema and oily skin? OTL

• Water Cleanser | GATSBY MANDOM Bifesta Cleansing Lotion | Daily AM
  
• Oil Cleanser | Banila Co Clean It Zero Purity | Daily PM
  
• Cleanser | Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser | Daily PM
  
• Cleansing Toner | XXX | Daily AM & PM
  
• Vitamin C Serum - Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum | 3x Weekly AM
  
• BHA | Cosrx Bha Blackhead Power Liquid | Daily AM
  
• AHA | Cosrx AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid | 2x Weekly PM
  
• Essence | MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence | Daily AM PM
  
• Hydrating Toner | CLINIQUE Even Better Essence Lotion For Combination Oily To Oily Skins | Daily AM PM
  
• Acne & Inflammation Essence | LJH TeaTree 90 Essence | Daily AM PM
  
• Serum | Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence | Daily AM PM
  
• Moisturizer | Drunk Elephant B Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Gel | Daily AM PM
  
• Eye Cream | Andalou Naturals Luminous Eye Serum Brightening | Daily AM PM
  
• Mist | Eau Thermale Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray | Daily AM PM
  
• Sunscreen | Eltamd UV Clear SPF 46 | Daily AM
  
• Clay Mask | Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask | 1x Weekly PM
  
• Acne Treatment | Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch | As Needed PM
  
• Acne Treatment II | Mizon Acence Blemish Out Pink Spot | As Needed PM
  
  I'm not sure if the order and frequency of use is correct, so please help me! And yes, these are a lot of products for a beginner, so I think I'll start with only one toner first then work my way up to using more essences. Suggestions for cleansers and toners would also be nice, since I'm not sure if the Clinique thing is intended as a cleansing toner. I also have a question about sebaceous filaments? Is it alright to get rid of them with nose masks? Would it make my pores bigger? I feel like my nose pores are huge and my buddies are EXTREMELY visible. Recommendations on peeling masks and other masks would be great too, as I'm not really sure what kind of masks I would need?

I know this is an old thread, but you should definitely use a new treatment consistently for at least 6 weeks before deciding that it doesn't work for you. The skin cycle takes about 30 days to turn over, and you may also experience a purge phase, so I tend to try to stick to a regimen for at least that long before I give up.

I landed in this thread looking for options for my boyfriend. Even if I'm late to the game, I've struggled with acne for nearly 20 years (mostly localized to my face), but let me share some advice.

1. Do you use a loofa or a shower puff? If so, trash it. They harbor bacteria and aren't helping you. Order something like a salux cloth, and get a new one every month or so.
   
   
2. Be gentle. You want to treat your acne, not slay it. Personally, I'm careful not to introduce new treatments or medications until I'm sure my skin is accustomed to whatever I'm currently using. Reducing irritation is really important to ACTUALLY clearing your acne.
   
   
3. Order, timing, and duration of these products are important!!! This cannot be understated. With medications such as benzoyl peroxide or Differin, studies have shown that applying moisturizer before or after help to reduce irritation. Similarly, both of those specific medications can cause increased irritation by interacting with any water still in your pores after cleansing. So this is what I do: cleanse with a gentle cleanser. Moisturize with something oil-free like CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion (which can also be used on your face, FYI). Wait 10-15 minutes. Apply medication like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. Another thing to consider is if you are relying on a medication in a wash form, you need to leave the cleanser on your skin for a couple minutes before rinsing it off!
   
   
4. Change your sheets. I change my sheets once a week. You could even change them more frequently than that. Change to a free and clear detergent for all of your laundry. Skip using a fabric softener.
   
   If you gave it a good shot, and benzoyl peroxide wasn't that effective for you, another option to consider is sulfur. Yes, sulfur. There are body washes that contain sulfur or alternatively, there are creams or gels (like this gel that supposedly doesn't smell).
   
   I saw that you mentioned that your dermatologist recommended Accutane, but you're worried about side effects. I did a round of Accutane in high school (I'm in my 30s now). Personally, aside from dry skin and maybe some minor depressive swings, I didn't experience any of the other side effects that you might have been warned about. Discuss your concerns with your doctor further, particularly if you are more inclined to experience these side effects or how common they actually are, because I will say- it kept me clear for about 7 years, and I'm convinced my acne now is hormonal.
   
   Lastly, this blog is my favorite resource. It's well-researched and offers lots of product options. Highly recommend.

sure fused Claptons are great! but thats gonna ohm out very low in dule coil, 0.3ohm to 0.2 mabey lower, can your mod/battery handle that? if the answer to that is im not sure... dont do it!!! first go read more about ohms law and battery's . i dont want you blowing your mod up ;)

ok time for many links

TOOOOOOOOLS!

hook nose/needle nose tweasers for wicking

ceramic tweezers for coils

more ceramic tweezers these ones come with a coil jig!

wire cutters you need to get flush cutters so you can trim as close to the deck as posible

coil jig

alternatively you can go for a tool kit with everything in this one is legit good and even comes with some wire and cotton, the other cheaper versions like the ones i own are knock off's of this one and while usable are just not as good.

WIRE!

ok so your all jazzed on fused claptons but as its your first builds that may not be wise so here are some options, remember the lower the number the bigger the wire and therefore the lower the ohm.

kanthal 24g plain kanthal nice thick gauge good for beginners!

clapton 26g thin higher ohm clapton

clapton 24g thicker lower ohm clapton

fused clapton 2x24g big huge super low ohm fused Clapton, looks kinda funky but thats just how premade fused comes, i usually spin mine in a drill with pliers to take the twist out and make it easier to wrap.

staple wire incorectly labeled as alien this is staple/faltpton wire also super low ohm, its stacked ribbon wire with a Clapton around it

WICK!

fast cotton

cheap cotton

ok so theese are the same cotton almost exactly the difference being the fast option will get to you sooner, the cheap option is a huge bulk amount for a vastly reduced price but it will take a while to get to you like maybe a few weeks.

once you've got all that shit together its time to coil n wick.

coiling is easy so i wont cover that.
wicks can be a little tricky

1. take a cotton pad and cut a 4-6mm wide strip following the groove in the cotton,
   
   its important to have enough cotton to be snug in the coils ( to help it stop burning and wick enough juice otherwise dry hits)
   
   but not enough to jam up the wicking holes in the deck stoping the juice flowing up and giving you dry hits ... its a fine line
   
   
2. remove the top and bottom lair
   
   
3. roll it into a tube between your fingers
   
   
4. pinch the end and roll into a point then insert it into your coils
   
   
5. trim the ends
   
   
6. prime the wicks and coils with some juice
   
   
7. push them down into the wick holes
   
   jobs done vape on!
   
   hope this was helpful if you have any other questions go nuts
   
   i actually really enjoyed this youve kept me sane through a very long shift at work ;)

These have helped me so much!

The less you touch your face, the better! I use these at night, even on blemishes that haven't fully erupted but feel coming on. Seriously a miracle product.

It is SO SATISFYING to see the patch in the morning, it turns white with the absorbed oils, and honestly, pulling it off my skin, seeing the contained puffy white goo, and knowing I haven't destroyed a larger area of skin trying to extract a zit, feels even better than popping. (And to be gross, yeah, I'll poke the patch with my nail in awe.)

Couple other tips that are helping me stop the break-out cycle-

1. Change your pillowcase everyday. I put 3-4 pillowcases on my pillow, and when I go to bed, I take the last one off, and boom, fresh clean surface. This has made a noticeable difference in my skin! Amazon has endless options for inexpensive pillowcase sets, and is cheaper than Bed Bath & Beyond.
   
   
2. Be religious about washing your face before bedtime. I'm not always perfect at this, but I'm working at making it habit. The ritual of caring for my skin helps me stop picking. After I've washed (Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser) and used my products, it is a big motivator to not touch my face.
   
   
3. I also have a ridiculous stash of washcloths. I keep these in a basket in my bedroom, and use a fresh one each morning in the shower, and a fresh one to dry my face at night.
   
   When you have a pimple that has fully come to a head and you just have to pop it, wash your hands first, and better yet, use one of these tools, and make sure it is sanitized (I use rubbing alcohol) before you use it, and after!
   
   
   
   
   

Hello,
First, I apologize for these english mistakes I will probably make in my post.
For the context I'm in my mid-twenties. And It didn't take me 5 years to cure from my acne but 8 years. (Because the oldest photos on my acne face have been taken 5 years ago.)
Album with B&A and products.
FAQ :
When did my acne appears ?
My acne appears during my last year of middle school. And it followed me until my master’s degree.
What's my skincare routine and what have I try before ?
I have tried many stuff.
1 - Roaccutane : Only few months, it was very difficult to stand this treatment.
Dry lips, random nose bleeding, tired etc. Very effective but as soon as I stopped the treatment my acne came back.
2 - Cutacnyl : Not very effective, at least for severe acne like mine.
3 - Honey mask : Not effective.
4 - Aloe vera : Not bad but I had to use it very consistently.
5 - Antibiotics : Acne came back after the treatment.
6 - Pills : pills like MSM, zinc, vitamin B, chromium picolinate. It worked quite well, to be honest they reduced my acne a lot but it came back when I stopped to take these pills so it wasn't the solution I was looking for.
My morning routine : I use a sulfur soap to clean my face and then I moisturize with a Cerave facial lotion. During the summer I use the Biore UV Aqua rich essence to moisturize and to use it as a sunscreen.
My afternoon routine (back from work) :
I wash my face with the same sulfur soap.
After the shower : Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion
Before I sleep : Cerave lotion + tee trea.
Once a week : Green clay mask
What's my diet :
I completely stopped dairy stuff. I also stopped to drink soft drinks ( except when i'm eating something that have to be accompanied with a soft drink, like burgers, pastas ). So let's say a soft drink a week or a soft drink every two weeks at best.
I started to work out, bought a bench press bench, some weights and started to build a new body.
I started bodybuilding not only because I knew It could help me to reduce my acne but also because I had (and still today) some confidence issues. I'm proud to have made this decision (since i'm quite a lazy guy IRL).
And because I followed a meal plan, I ate more "green" stuff. Bunch of fruits everyday, like bananas, apples, tomatoes etc. Less sugar, more water.
I also drink green tea matcha and green tea with lemon on a daily basis.
Nothing new you can learn from me in this thread. Eat less dairy and sugar. More fruits, vegetables and tea. More sports.
I just wanted to let you know that even though you think it's impossible to get ride of your acne, because no matter what you do you don't see any improvements, all you need is consistency and having the desire to heal. Having the desire to heal is important because your psychology plays a big part in your healing. It will sound like some anime bullshit but you have to believe in yourself.
I had to deal with acne for 8 years, the first 3 years I thought It was just some temporary situation because every teenagers have that. But the years go by and I see no progress. I had no confidence in myself and It was very hard to go outside, even when I needed to buy groceries. Each day was difficult to live. In the subway, in the bus, when talking to people, to girls, all I wanted was to stay at home and cover my face with a green clay mask and tea tree and hoping that my acne would dissapear during the night. Everywhere outside of my home was a test that I had to face. Sometimes I asked a day off because I didn't want to go to work with my shitty face.
TL:DR : Green clay, Cerave lotion, Chromium picolinate, sulfur soap, working out, fruits, vegetables and tea and (trying) to enjoy life.
Thanks for reading. Feel free to ask me questions if needed.

Might be a long shot, but is anyone else here active on /r/SkincareAddiction or specifically /r/AsianBeauty ???

I've definitely been researching skin care as I've gone through the whole fashion basics a few times. I'd say the hardest part is finding a good sunscreen, so here is my cop list

SKIN AQUA | Sunscreen Lotion | Moisture Milk Whitening | SPF50+ PA+++ 40ml | for Face and Body (Japan Import) by Skin Aqua

Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

I am looking for cosmetically elegant, matte finish, preferably alcohol free but I have slight oily skin, fragrance free, preferably paraben free, at least a PA rating of +++, at least SPF 30, under $40, photo stable, preferably physical and chemical combo.

Pretty specific, does anyone else have a suggestion?

The best bet would be to go with Japanese or Korean sunscreens. If you're in the US, you can find good quality ones for cheap on Amazon (or through Amazon global on the AmazonJP site). The Biore UV Watery Essence is really popular on /r/AsianBeauty. Personally I've tried the Nivea Sun Protect Watery Gel (this is my absolute favorite sunscreen, but definitely leaves a shiny look on your face that is easily covered by makeup), and the Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen which both are great. For me personally, I've found the Shiseido Senka one irritates my eyes, but I haven't ever heard of anyone else for whom that happens. But I have very sensitive eyes and skin (well, kind of). For a Korean brand, the Missha All Around Safe Block Sun Milk is also a huge favorite of many on /r/AsianBeauty. This is the one I personally want to try next, as it's also sweat-resistant and I burn like no other, so it's a good combo for this summer. :)

Also, these all have SPF 50 and at least PA +++. I hope you find one you like! From my experience, the two I've tried sit well under makeup, and I've heard the other two also sit well under makeup. I hope this helps!

E: words

Listen to LizzieDane. Chemical peels and Botox are invaluable tools and have their place in this world, read this guide Botox 101: What You Need to Know Before Getting Botox and know it's something to consider. But really, a prescribed retinoid is going to be your new best friend. Just a heads up that there is an online dermatology service that is getting very positive reviews from /skincareaddiction and other respectable beauty bloggers. It's called Pocketderm and for $20 per month, you and a board certified dermatologist will customize a topical medication that will address any acne/age-related issues. Informative review over at /skincareaddiction. If you decide to go for it, go here before signing-up and grab a referral link for a 1-month free trial. Seriously, get some retinoids, it is the only anti-ageing treatment in the U.S. that has been backed by the FDA. Secondly, please wear SUNSCREEN, and do so EVERY DAY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE! Rain or shine, UV damage is the #1 cause of premature aging and protecting yourself from the sun is something you can do for yourself tomorrow. Good guide here about how to choose the right sunscreen. EltaMd is highly recommended with adequate UV protection. Now my personal favorite, the AHAs and the BHAs or 'acids', they'll help with the fine lines, brighten up the complexion and even out skintone. They are seriously great and will give you almost immediate results . Basic explanation of AHA/BHA exfoliates. My BHA product rec to you would be Paula's Choice BHA 2% products, $10 referral code here. Do it! Once you've got the retinoids, the sunscreen, and the acids, incorporating a well-formulated antioxidant serum will round out a solid, 'anti-ageing' skincare routine. Hope this helps and be good to yourself :)

You certainly are a smart shopper! It's good to know what you want, but sometimes it narrows down your search. That said, I think your options are thus:

| Siegeli| iPV3| Cloupor T8
---|---|----|----
Price| $99.99| $139.99| $139.99
Wattage| 100w | 150w| 150w
Dual Batt.| Yes| Yes| Yes
Magnet Back| Yes| No| Yes?
O-B Charger| No| Yes| Yes?
Flush 510| Yes| Yes| Yes
Silver Option| Yes| Yes| Yes
Black Option| Yes| Yes| Yes


Personally, I would go for the Siegeli. There's an option for an extra magnet back in place of screws that you can get here.

Aside from that, you're going to need:

1. Batteries: I recommend the Samsung 25-R. It can be found as an authentic quite easily and for a decent price, whilst maintaining specs comparable to VTC5s. Alternatively, I've also heard good stuff about the LG HE2, although it seems the 25-R has the edge.
   
2. Wire: I recommend heading over to ebay and buying some TEMCO brand kanthal in 24ga, 26ga, and possibly 28ga. You can usually get around 100 feet of each for around 6 bucks.
   
3. Wick: This is definitely a personal preference. I prefer using Japanese cotton pads, but many people stick with plain old organic cotton balls or rayon. You can find Japanese cotton pads on amazon. Otherwise, you can find organic cotton balls at your local CVS. You can also get a lifetime supply of Rayon for around $12 I believe, but I can't recall where. If you search /r/ecr a bit you'll find it.
   
4. Ohm-meter: A fairly important part of your setup, much more so for mechanical mods, but still good to have. You can find one for around $10 on Fasttech.

In this case if you don't think it's milia, you should consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis - just in case!

To me though, it really does look like milia. Just speculating because I had the exact same thing in the exact same spot recently when I had neglected my skin for a few days. I had also tried a new eye cream (CeraVe eye cream) and I think that may have contributed to the area getting bumpy and clogged.

Now this isn't a for-sure, but it might help. I got a couple tubes of RoC brand retinol moisturizer to see if I could gently exfoliate the area. It definitely did help over a couple of weeks and the bumps are pretty much gone now. The only real side-effect for me was that my skin felt a tad bit sensitive a few days after I stopped using it.

Now I'm using Hada Labo brand moisturizers to keep the area moisturized.

Here's some links if you want to give any of them a shot, though I would suggest getting them from a local drugstore when they're on sale, especially someplace that has a good return policy in case they don't work for you. I got mine at CVS when they had a buy 1 get 1 for 50% sale.

RoC retinol correxion night cream

RoC retinol correxion eye cream

You will definitely need a sunscreen if you decide to try these, or they also make a day cream with SPF:

(the one with SPF in the combo pack) (I haven't tried this one so I can't attest to its effectiveness like the other two)

The moisturizers I'm using that don't clog my incredibly clog-prone skin:

Hada Labo clear "toner" lotion

Hada Labo "milky" lotion

I really like these since they only require about 3 drops each and keep my skin nicely moisturized. I tried the thicker creams from the brand but found they were more suited to super-dry skin. Also they dry to almost-matte and have no added scent.

Again, worth a try, but definitely try to get an appointment with a derm if you can, just to be sure it isn't anything serious.

It would probably help, but you may want to look into getting something that won't risk cutting your skin. If it's anything like mine even the skin on your legs might be too sensitive for a scrub like that. I personally love my Salux (this is the one I bought: http://www.amazon.com/Salux-Nylon-Japanese-Beauty-Cloth/dp/B000CSDDDG) and found it very affordable if you want to go that direction, but a loofah or scrub mitt you can pick up just about anywhere would probably work well too!

Make sure you're using a good shave gel as well and aren't just shaving with bar soap or body wash which aren't going to protect your skin much. Conditioner works really well, and lately I've been using Alba's Very Emolient cream and it's my favorite shaving product so far (and cheaper than my conditioner lol). Below me someone responded with options for using a new razor daily that won't break the bank and I would recommend giving those a gander as well :)

The necessary items are; razor, brush, cream/soap, and blade sampler pack. For aftershave you can use whatever you currently have, but if you don't have anything you can pick up Nivea sensitive aftershave balm from your local supermarket for $5.

There are preshave creams, oils, and soaps. These are not necessary, but some users do find them helpful. A cheap glycerin soap like the "clearly natural" or "whole foods 365" can be had for about 2-3 dollars. You use these soaps to wash your face before you start lathering.

For post shave there is; alum block, afershave splash, aftershave balm, moisturizing cream, moisturizing oil like jojoba oil, unrefined shea butter, and witch hazel. You pretty much have to try which works for you, but I'd start with a cheap aftershave balm like the Nivea sensitive that I mentioned (if you get satisfactory results with it you don't have to explore the other options unless you want to).

For bowl lathering you can use any small sized bowl you have in your house. Approximately 2-3 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter would be a good size for the bowl. You can also purchase one from your local supermarket for cheap. Alternatively you can face lather which removes the need for a bowl.

--------------

HERE is what I recommend for DE kit. Mainly posting that for all the information links in that post, I recommend you check them out.

Below is a UK specific suggestion:

• Razor: Edwin Jagger DE89, DE86, or DE87. (just the handles are different) £20.
  
• Brush: Omega 40033 'Mighty Midget' boar brush £5.70
  
• Blade sampler: 10 brands 65 blades £9.90
  
• Shaving cream/soap: Tesco sells Palmolive shaving cream for £1.80 or Palmolive shaving stick £0.50 (might be available at ASDA).
  
  
• ASDA, and Boots should sell "The real shaving company" shaving cream (might be called "Groomed"). The real shaving company shaving cream can be purchased from Connaughtshaving as well.
  
  Total: about £40 (including shipping).
  
  ---------
  
  If you are on a super tight budget you can switch the Edwin Jagger razor to 'Boots' plastic handle DE razor. They sell it for about £3. I have not personally tried it myself, but others have said it to be decent. The Sodial razor is available through Amazon.uk too.
  
  Lastly if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.
  
  Edit: the Connaughtshaving 'popular' blade sampler seems to be out of stock. You could order the sampler from nkdman.co.uk they have free shipping.

Here are the basic advantages:

CARE OF SKIN - DE shaving, using lather, a good razor and blade, and good technique, is much kinder to your skin that the 5-blade, tug-and-cut scraping action of a Fusion. More details on request, but many guys have commented on how much their skin/acne/ingrowns have improved since making the switch.

QUALITY OF SHAVE - This will probably not be new information, but advertisements often do not provide reliable information. (Note the obvious conflict of interest, for example.) Quite frequently, guys who have made the switch find that their shaves are much better, an observation reinforced by the comments from significant other, children, and/or grandchildren that their face is not so scratchy as it used to be.

COST OF SHAVE - My blades cost 9¢ each and last a week. For $4.50, I get a year's worth of shaves. How much do you spend on Fusion cartridges in a year? Shaving soap and cream are also much less expensive than canned foam, besides being better, more fragrant, and more pleasurable.

QUALITY OF LIFE - DE shaving improves one's quality of life. Specifically:

Environmental benefits - These are obvious: much less landfill fodder and many fewer noxious chemicals involved in traditional shaving.

Personal benefits - This was the clincher for me: shaving went from a tedious, boring, hateful chore to a real pleasure, something I look forward to each morning and truly enjoy. It makes a significant psychological difference to begin the day with taking care of yourself while doing something you enjoy rather than hurrying through something you hate.

FWIW, I wrote a comprehensive introduction to DE shaving that answers these and many other questions. You can get much of the same info on the Internet (but not all, I believe), but the book provides an organized and consistent introduction and discusses the many choices and tradeoffs in equipment, supplies, and techniques. Check out the reader reviews to see whether you think it would help you.

The doubled edged safety razor in general costs substantially less than a staight razor. Indeed, the Silvertone razor is less than $3 and gives quite a good shave. (Check out this sub-$50 beginner kit for some specific recommendations). Of course, with a DE razor you have to buy blades (read this post on blades---they're not wh¢at you expect), but blades are cheap. I mainly use a brand that cost 9¢ per blade, which lasts about a week: around $4.50/year for the blades.

The problems with multiblade cartridges:

a. Expensive, so guys try to stretch their life, which means a lot of time they're shaving with a dull set of blades.

b. Effort: even if the blades are sharp, it requires some force to push (say) 5 blades through the stubble: cutting 5 blades' worth of stubble at a time means you encounter a lot of resistance. When cutting with a single blade, you find MUCH less resistance. (To minimize resistance the most, one would use a slant-bar razor, but I would recommend that as a second razor, once your technique is good.)

c. Pressure: when you're putting that much effort into cutting, you tend to press the cartridge against the skin, scraping away. That's why so many guys believe that they have "sensitive skin". Most of them don't: they have damaged skin. (Of course, some guys really do have sensitive skin, sometimes to the point of requiring medical intervention. But for most, the issue is damage rather than sensitivity.)

Take a look at my guide for more information and detail, if you think the read reviews warrant it. And when you start, avoid the four most common mistakes cartridge shavers make when switching to a DE razor.

Hope this helps.

I would recommend the following:

Avoid skin-clogging makeup as much as possible (bronzer, concealer, primer, etc.). I don't use any of this - no BB creams, no CC creams, no foundation, nothing. Keep the skin unclogged, is the goal. Use something that has salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to wash your face, 1-2 times a day (morning and night) because that will actually kill the acne-causing bacteria. Then use non-comedogenic face moisturizer - I like Clinique's Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief and use either Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ or Banana Boat Kids spf 50 (it's a physical sunscreen not got a lot of oily sunblock ingredients). You have to moisturize and gotta make sure you protect your skin from wrinkles and cancer!

After showering, I put Thayer's Witch Hazel (the rose petal kind but I don't think it matters which "flavor" you choose) on. Just a thin layer applied with a cotton ball. It's essentially another cleaner. Then I wait for it to dry and add the same Clinique moisturizer and then, to get rid of pigmentation, you will need a cream with retinol to stimulate growth of new and fresher skin cells. I recommend using it at night, before you apply the moisturizer so it will penetrate the skin. I use Alpha SkinCare Deep Wrinkle Repair from Ulta.

Be gentle with your skin - don't wash it too hard and pat it dry and use warm water, not too cold or hot. Once a week, make a gelatin pore cleaning mask (recipe here but there's a billion out there you can use) and use a clay mask as well to drain your pores of oil after you've yanked any gross globs out.

This is going to take time, of course. And make sure that your pillows you sleep on are clean (wash pillowcase once a week) and that you don't let your hair brush against your face (oils can get on your skin and clog it).

I've done this for 12 years and that's how I've kept my skin essentially completely blemish free (occasional pimples, small, once every few months?)

The goal is to keep skin clean and moisturize it just enough. It's not very complex, to be honest. I don't ever listen to anecdotal crap about why some products work better than others. I look at the ingredients list and then read studies to see why it might work. Sure, if you're just looking for moisturizing, fine, rely on anecdotal stuff and weak evidence, but for things where you really want to see results like less wrinkles or fewer pimples, ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and retinol are very important.

*ETA: when applying ANYTHING to your face, make sure you wash your hands first!!! No point to use these wonderful products if the tool applying them is dirty. And then it gets the product as well as your face dirty. Clean hands, clean towels to dry your hands and face! Wash the towels a minimum of once a week. Don't have to use a lot of soap to launder the towels - bc that can be irritating - but needs to be clean.

Okay, so I think you need to build a routine based on moisture. Some products I recommend that are easily available at Target/Walmart/Amazon/drugstores:

Cleansers:

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gentle Cleansing Lotion *

Cerave Hydrating Cleanser

Toners:

Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist *

Thayers Alcohol Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner

Moisturizers:

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream *

Cerave Moisturizing Cream (aka Cerave in the tub)

Actives for texture/acne improvement:

The Ordinary Azealic Acid Suspension

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

I provided two options for each product. Note that the products with a * next to them are products I personally use and really love. The others are ones that I've seen highly recommended on this subreddit (and I also really want to try that Azealic Acid lol). I honestly think that with a simple routine like this your skin will clear right up and look really lovely, because your acne is minimal. All of these are non-comedogenic and gentle. Make sure to add only one product a week to make sure they don't break you out, and patch test on your wrist to make sure you aren't allergic to them. I hope this is helpful!

Products I love!

• Alterna Bamboo Brilliance Cream. I put about a 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of this in my hair before blowdrying it, and the results are stellar! Smooth, soft, shiny. I’ve been using this for years per the recommendation of the woman who cut my hair when I lived in a different state, and I continue to be so impressed with it. Also, I don’t know if it’s just my hair texture, but if I put this in my hair and then blowdry it straight, it straightens out very well. I don’t even own a flatiron because this stuff + a blowdryer gets the job done.
  
  
• Kenra Platinum Silkening Gloss. This is one of the most highly lauded products over on r/redpillwives, thanks to QB. I haven’t had men trailing me in stores because of the smell, but I’ve been really impressed with the product! If I use this to blowdry my hair straight, I can usually get two “down” days and an updo day out of it! Definitely recommend.
  
  
• Coochy from Pure Romance. I will never tidy up my lady zone with anything else. This stuff is so good, my friend’s gynecologist recommended it.
  
  
• Pretty much anything from CeraVe, but namely this moisturizer (also known as “CeraVe in the tub), this cleanser, and this sunscreen/moisturizer combo.
  
  
• Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. My skin is smoother when I’m using this regularly. Plus this is such a good brand.
  
  
• Snow River Wood Oil. OKAY HEAR ME OUT. When I’m regularly oil cleansing with this stuff, my face is baby soft. It’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t break you out, and it’s a very neutral oil, so most skin types do well with it (but ALWAYS patch test). It’s also crazy cheap!
  
  Products I didn’t love
  
  
• Burts Bees Face Cleanser for Sensitive Skin. There was nothing wrong with this product, per se… it was just unremarkable. I didn’t really notice a difference.

My girlfriend and I have identical body-hair rituals so, I speak for two women here:

​

Armpit hair - We both remove it all the time, I mean it takes 2 seconds.

Leg hair - Also consistently shave, but if we're wearing pants a lot (winter) we aren't weird about some leg stubble. We are a hairy leg democracy and vote on when we will shave so nobody werewolves alone.

Pube hair - Trim neatly. We both shave the bikini line and the top to keep a nice triangle , and use an electric razor to trim the rest of it down to a neat length, but we don't remove it all ever.

​

​

Side note: I highly recommend safety razors, specifically The Lady Gillette - you will save mountains of money. It costs $20-$30 (can be found on eBay), and then the blades cost actual pennies. Example, less than $10 for 100 blades - you could easily use less than 1 blade per week, making this last 2+ years. TEN DOLLARS EVERY TWO YEARS. You can stop buying those overpriced cartridges that were only invented to make you spend more money,

Plus, the shave is superior anyway, and it's convenient. It's so nice being able to take the razor out mid-shave (say, if I let things get a little bad) and hit the blade and the head with water and go back with a perfectly unclogged blade. I've been using mine for over a year, and made my girlfriend buy one immediately and she has never looked back either. Seriously my friends, worth it - happy to answer any questions.

​

Ooo, I'm addicted to both Amazon and skincare so this thread is my jam.

• Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream! My skin is dry and very prone to dehydration so I can't use a lot of the popular AB sunscreens that have high amounts of alcohol. But most of the alcohol-free sunscreens I've tried never seen to dry down so they're hard to wear under makeup. This one is happily in the middle ground, it does have some alcohol in it but it's halfway down the ingredient list instead of at the top so it doesn't dry me out, and it manages to actually dry down enough to wear makeup over it.
  
  
• Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion is another favorite of mine. The "premium" version is a major upgrade from the regular version IMO. I've used them both extensively and the thicker texture of the premium version is so much nicer. Fifty Shades of Snail's review convinced me to upgrade and I've never looked back.
  
  
• Elta MD UV Pure is a really nice physical only sunscreen - good for when your skin is overly sensitive or recovering from a peel or overzealous use of actives.
  
  
• Nexcare Acne Absorbing Covers are excellent for putting over whiteheads and/or zits you couldn't restrain yourself from popping.
  
  
• Packs of microfiber cloths are excellent if you like using a washcloth in your skincare routine but want something softer than terrycloth. I bought two 12-packs, I have a big pile of them next to my sink, I use a new one each night and then toss it right into the laundry to keep things super sanitary. Just learn from my mistakes don't put them in the wash with new terry cloth towels because the new towels will shed all the fuck over them and you will be picking fuzz off of them for weeks.
  
  
• Less skincare related than the rest but still sort of: this unscented Alaffia Shea Butter Bubble Bath is excellent if you have sensitive skin.
  

>Does quality differ a lot between clones and originals?

Depends on the specific model that was cloned and who cloned it. Personally the only time I was able to directly compare a clone and an authentic piece of hardware for an extended time, was with the Billow V2 nano. I own two authentic ones and no-name clones from FT. Aside from the O-rings, the missing logo and different colours, they are all basically identical. I guess the more complex a piece of hardware is, the harder it will be to clone. There are clones of entire regulated mods, which all seem to be absolute garbage. Then in few cases a clone can even improve on the original product and present a modified version, that isn't available as an authentic.

For the Kayfun 5 there are several comparison videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E28J7wZvYX8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX8crHEAdKs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1nKnJ3zG7I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXGYV_bg8hw

The SJMY, Tobeco and the SXK version seem to perform great, with the SXK mini standing out, because of it being one of those clones, that doesn't really have an authentic counterpart.


>Regarding RBAs, where can I buy the wire used to build coils? Do they sell it in local stores (as in, is it a regular product?) or do I have to order it on special vaping websites (they dont have vape stores here).

Some time ago I decided to cut out the middle man and started to import wire from Fasttech myself. If I would buy them from a German online shop or in my local vape store, I'd pay double and triple for the exact same product. But yeah, online vape shops in your country will very likely offer some type of wire.

If you want to get into building, 26 AWG - 28 AWG Kanthal wire would be a good starting point. Very easy to handle and not much to fuck up. Personally I like the wire from UD. Never had a problem with it.

https://www.fasttech.com/products/3033/10014903/2675200

https://www.fasttech.com/products/3033/10014903/4239303

https://www.fasttech.com/products/3033/10014903/2675100

Aside from that, Fasttech also offers an assload of pre-bent coils in all shapes and sizes, that you just have to install. Still way cheaper than factory coils.

https://www.fasttech.com/category/3033/wicks-wires

Even absolutely ridiculous stuff like this:

https://www.fasttech.com/products/3033/10025417/5520003

There is definitely a learning curve to RBAs/RTAs/RDAs, but personally I couldn't justify having to change expensive factory coils every few days anymore. It's worth it in the long run.


>And the cotton seems to differ too

Meh, overall not really. If we're staying in the realm of organic cotton pads, a lot of it is just for show. This gallery explains it well:

http://imgur.com/a/3UYZR

I use this: https://www.amazon.de/Cotton-Labo-ORGANIC-200pc-japan/dp/B000TCD51A/

Perfectly fits my needs.


>Its all so very complicated lol, Ive done research but there are so many opinions and things I just dont know where to start.

It can be overwhelming, but everyone starts somewhere. I started with the Kanger Subtank Mini RBA and later went to a full RTA. Looking back, the easiest way to learn building would have probably been to use an RDA, because if you fuck up or your build just doesn't work, improving or changing it will be a breeze.

If I had to do it all over, I would get the following:

• Derringer V3 clone
  
  Cheap, easy to build on and tastes heavenly.
  
  https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10012406/4567400-derringer-v3-styled-rda-rebuildable-dripping
  
  
  
• Velocity RDA clone
  
  Cheap, easy to build on and allows for beefy coils.
  
  https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10014538/3141900-velocity-mini-styled-rda-rebuildable-dripping
  
  
  
• Organic cotton
  
  Cheap and wicks perfectly.
  
  https://www.amazon.de/Cotton-Labo-ORGANIC-200pc-japan/dp/B000TCD51A/
  
  
  
• 27 AWG wire
  
  Because everyone starts with either 26 or 28 and I'm a hipster.
  
  https://www.fasttech.com/products/3033/10014903/4239303
  
  
  
• Steam Engine
  
  To calculate beforehand what I'm even doing.
  
  http://www.steam-engine.org/coil.asp
  
  
  
• Pre-bent claptons
  
  To see what all the fuss is about.
  
  https://www.fasttech.com/p/4152508
  
  
  The pre-bent claptons I'd use in the Velocity and the 27 AWG wire I'd use to make coils for the Derringer. Spaced coils, 5-6 wraps at 2.5mm diameter in a dual coil setup comes out to about 0.4 Ohms. Fantastic vape.
  

I'm a follower of Asian Beauty (AB) subreddit so most of the products I'm using are Asian brands. If you are open to Asian skin care products, I would personally recommend these 2 products that I've been using for years. I love them because they are so effective and cheap.

1. Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist
   This is Japanese product. The name says lotion but it is very thin and watery. It has Hyaluronic Acid which can help combat dryness.
   https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Hadalabo-Gokujun-Hyaluronic/dp/B00BSNBO9O/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1501340052&sr=8-1&keywords=hada+labo+gokujyun+lotion
   
   
2. Kikumasamune Sake Skin Lotion High Moisture
   This gem is another amazing product from Japan. I would bathe in it if I could. This is my holy water. It makes my skin so plump, hydrating, and glow. It contains rice ferment and ceramides which are very good for skin. The only downside is that it smells like sake or alcohol even thou it does NOT have alcohol in it. The smell comes from the rice ferment filtrate. Fermented products are believed to be very good for skin and very popular in Asian skincare. Some people are bothered by its scent, I don't.
   https://www.amazon.com/Kikumasamune-Sake-Skin-Lotion-Moisture/dp/B00ECQCVK0/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1501340278&sr=1-1&keywords=kikumasamune
   
   You can use either of them, or in combination like I do. And yes, toner goes before moisturizers.
   
   Hope this helps and good luck. Let me know if you have other questions.

Uhm, obviously whatever colors you'd like. China Glaze colors are my fav, and they are generally pretty cheap. Get a nice base coat (so the polish doesn't stain you nails) and a shiny top coat (to help prevent chipping). Seche Vite is an awesome fast dry top coat you can try..... Ahhhh, I cant think of anything else right now, but Im sure you'll figure it out with time. Everyone here is GREAT at answering questions and helping and giving great mani ideas!!! :) Enjoy!! You'll become addicted!!!

An electric one? I don't quite follow. None of the safety razors are electric in nature. In terms of difficulty, the rule of thumb seems to be, shaving the first week, you should spend about 30 minutes, and as time moves on, skill improves, you can cut it down to 5-10 minutes.

This hobby costs as much as you want it to cost. It'll be a high up front cost since you need to purchase the razor, but to participate in this hobby, all you really need is 1.The safety razor 2.The blades. The safety razor can range from a few dollars if you buy a vintage razor 70+ years old and clean it up yourself, a cheap $10-15 chinese razor, or a $20-40 Edwin Jaeger, Merkur, or Parkur razor. It's recommended to buy a MULTI-BLADE pack, because every razor blade brand will work differently for each individual. It is up to you to experiment with the dozen + brands available to find which blade is best suited for you. However, given that you'll suck at shaving starting off, that's also a bit hard to tell. My only recommendation should you choose to get a multi blade pack is to USE FEATHER BLADES LAST. They're the sharpest brand. If you want to get into the whole hobby, with the brush, the soaps, the after shave, etc, It'll run somewhere around $100. If you're cheap like me, a razor + multi blade pack would run you somewhere around $50. I haven't invested in a brush + bowl + etc yet, (again I'm pretty cheap), but I buy Coconut oil in this big tub to shave with. It's much cheaper than the tiny bottles of pre-shave oil you can buy, and works well as a hair/skin moisturizer/cooking oil as well. I also use witchhazel as an aftershave, I personally use the cheaper $5 Dickinson brand, but many seem to prefer $10 Thayer.

That said, It's more about preparation/skill to get a good shave than the money you throw at the hobby. It's a hobby meant to save money overtime while being healthier for your skin and being environmentally friendly. Many however, get sucked into starting a whole collection of razors, products, and the like and spend hundreds. Whereas others try to go cheap like me, or ULTRA cheap (Some people try to get 10+ shaves out of the same 5 cent razor blade, when they should be getting somewhere around 3-6 shaves). It is up to you.

Guide to budget-buying for your first safety razor? Yes. As a matter of fact, this is the biggest advantage of shaving the old way: Supplies are quite cheap (though enthusiasts can quickly spend quite a lot of money on fancy brushes and hand-made razors). Go to Amazon, and look at these:

Silver Tone DE Razor -- For the money, you can't really beat this razor. I have one, and it works as it ought to. You might pick up an antique for no more than a couple bucks at a yard sale or antique shop; but give this a try if you can't be arsed.

Williams Mug Shaving Soap -- Works well enough; best when lathered on the puck. Cheapest you can buy.

Luxor Pro Badger Brush -- It's cheap. But it works. It will probably start losing bristles and thus wear out after a year or two; YMMV. If you want to get something a little nicer that will last a good long while, plan to spend at least $25 on a shaving brush; boar are better for the cheaper brushes but badger are the best if they are quality.

Most recommend getting one of the blade sampler packs on Amazon if you don't know what you like shaving with. These cost $12-30 or so, depending on how many blades are in them. If you're looking to go really cheap, get a 100 pack of Derby blades for $8. You can get a five pack of cheap blades for as little as $1, but I can't vouch for the effectiveness of those.

All told, this combo will cost you around $18.92, and you'll have adequate shaving supplies to last you for a couple years (depending on how much soap you use).

In time you'll want to upgrade things, of course; but this will do you well.

My skin is very oily and I have hormonal acne and PIH due to the cysts. I've seen a derm and she prescribed me some things that I'm combining with others I've found and tried for the last months. So far, the things that aren't expensive and are improving the general look of my face and controlling oiliness are:

• Avene micellar water (as make up remover)
  
• Alepo soap. You can buy it in natural shops and it helps to keep the oil under control. I wash my face at night with it.
  
• Aztec healing clay mask with apple cider vinegar. This is so great. I use it once a week and add some drops of Tea Tree Oil and it leaves my skin very smooth and helps with the occasional pimple.
  
• Tea tree oil pure. I use this mixed with masks and moisturizer. Is strong so just one drop sometimes stings, but is worth it.
  
• Isdin Acniben repair. The only moisturizer that I find suits me and doesn't break me out. Is gel texture, very nice.
  
• Sr Skincare Vitamin C Serum 10%. I use it in the morning after washing my face. I feel my PIH is better but I've just bought The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% here if you want to check, the concentration is higher and the brand seem to be serious, I don't know how it will go though...
  
• Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. I bought it here It last forever and is waterish. I read in a redditor's blog, this one, that it had helped him a lot and I've been using it for a month, no break outs and really, my face is much better with my new routine. Btw that blog has a lot of good tips.
  
• I also use Cosrx BHA blackhead Power liquid as exfoliator and Klairs preparation supple toner to balance my skin ph, those are more expensive though. When I have a cyst or a pimple I use DUAC, it was prescribed by my derm and you need a prescription, I was using Epiduo before and it dried out my face, so the derm told me that is the most gentle BP formulation.
  
  Good luck, btw, I'm a girl not "sir" lol.
  
  

OP:
I didn't mention my skincare routine but I thought I would share with y'all what I am currently using in case you are curious. I like to follow a 10 step (or close to) type of routine popular in Korea, so bear with me.

Wash #1: Anfora Rose Oil

INSTITUTO ESPANOL ANFORA ACEITE CORPORAL MASAJE MASSAGE BODY OIL INSTITUTO ESPAÑOL ESPANOL 8.5 OZ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004T4WT7K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8z7GybBJK77JP

Wash #2: Yes 2 Yes Daily Cream Facial Cleanser OR Yes 2 Yes Tomato Activated Charcoal Bar Soap

Yes To Carrots Daily Cream Facial Cleanser, 6 Fluid Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003XUMQ7E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-y7GybGXDJPB0

Yes To Tomatoes Activated Charcoal Bar Soap https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RKZTL5I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Bz7GybXE9E3CC

Exfoliant (once per week): Washcloth with warm water. Scrub gently for 30 seconds clock wise and 30 seconds counter clock wise

Toner: Hado Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion, 170ml

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FQUGXA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Xx7GybSN0GSQT

Essence: Mabox Anti Aging Wrinkle Firming Moisturizing Skin Face Cream 24k Gold Collagen Liquid
Mabox Anti Aging Wrinkle Firming Moisturizing Skin Face Cream 24K GOLD collagen Liquid

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N942Y5K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_5C7GybDY7AKNA

Moisturizer: (morning) Atomy Lotion; (night) Petroleum Jelly... i know a lot of y'all don't like it but it works for me.

Atomy Lotion https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008Z18KJE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_XE7GybPGFTQDQ

Eye Cream: ROC Retinol Correction Eye Cream

Roc Retinol Correxion Eye Cream, 0.5 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009RFB76/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0G7GybYV6JCAK

An excellent moisturizer with excellent ingredients that won't break the bank is [Cerave PM] (https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Facial-Lotion-Ounce/dp/B00365DABC/ref=sr_tnr_p_1_beauty_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1478021646&sr=1-1&keywords=create+pm)

Heres a good routine to start in the AM:

• Cleanse with a gentle cleanser, doesn't need to be fancy– I use one from Trader Joes.
  
• Apply BHA or AHA exfoliator – do a little research on this to figure out which will address your specific skin best. (You could also wait to incorporate this step into your routine until you have found a good cleansing and moisturizing rhythm)
  
• Apply Anti-Oxidant serum (optional - but good for anti-aging)
  
• Apply Moisturizer
  
• Apply SPF 30 or higher (some people will get a moisturizer with SPF already in it to combine steps, personally I keep them separate because it creates a better barrier for your skin and I have had milia form from using a combination sunscreen moisturizer.)
  
  PM:
  
  
• Get all the makeup off your face! Use wipes, makeup remover on cotton pads, etc. – whatever works for you, just get it all off.
  
• Cleanse with same gentle AM cleanser.
  
• Apply exfoliator.
  
• Apply optional serum.
  
• Apply moisturizer.
  
  Happy to answer any specific questions :) Good luck!

I second u/pleasekisumi's suggestion to add oil to your routine, but if you are afraid that an oil-based cream would feel too heavy for you to start, I suggest putting in a few drops of non- comedogenic facial oil to your current moisturizer. Great choices are rosehip oil, argan oil, sea buckthorn oil, and meadowfoam oil. I'm acne-prone and use all those oils to great effect. At night, it would be a good idea to seal in the moisture with a water-based sleeping pack (like Laneige water sleeping mask) so you do not lose all your moisture overnight.

For sunscreens, make sure you wait still your moisturizer dries down before applying it. The Japanese make great sunscreens and the array could be dizzying, but here are a few I recommend: this, this, [this](http://www.amazon.com/Biore-SARASARA-Perfect-Bright-SPF50/dp/B00SM99KWA/ref=sr_1_8_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1458088811&sr=1-8&keywords=biore+sunscreen], this, this.

I can't recommend anything more specific than that as there is so much trial and error involved. I personally like watery gels that try down matt, but I make sure to pump my skin with moisture beforehand even though I have oily skin.

Good luck!

What made the biggest difference for me was a good hydrating toner and a hyaluronic acid. I'd recommend Kikumasamune sake lotion which is a lovely relief to use after cleansing and Hada Labo Gokujyn Moist Lotion, which is a huge help for dehydration because it has a good amount hyaluronic acid and does a great job of holding into the skin any further hydrating layers you use. I'd have a good look into and try some hydrating serums and/or toners as the thick moisturisers you are using on there own just will not be enough to hydrate. Lots of good info about this over on r/asianbeauty as they're very focused on hydrating layers to heal and improve the skin. A great fun method I've found for an instant flood of hydration is the [Korean 7 skin method] (https://youtu.be/-wTGzrBqsIk)

I am a sweaty person. I have tried all the name brand antiperspirants/deodorants. After years of crusted yellow/white stained shirts, I realized that my body seemed to compensate with more sweat, plugged up under the arms, it surfaced on my back and head. Clinical/prescription strength antiperspirants only added to the problem, and my white tees took the damage. Later I found out people, myself included, actually use too much, you only need a super thin amount applied to your underarms, don't go about it like frosting a cake.

Also thinking about the potential harm of aluminum based antiperspirants (you absorb everything through your skin), I moved on to some natural deodorants (brands like Toms) but they just didn't seem to work so well, but i did notice when I applied less deodorant, or didn't altogether, my sweat began to lessen in severity. Anytime I actually smelled (like after yardwork or a any long day in the sun), it was time for a shower anyways. After I was properly applying a thin coat, I settled on Arm & Hammers Essential Deodorant that began to alleviate my problems, notably with my clothing. No more yellow crusty shirts!

But how about some deodorant that will last you several years? Try a Thai Deodorant Stone, I've had this baby for a year now and I can attest that it works great. Nowadays I apply this to my underarms from time to time and lightly powder my feet and groin with a mix of cornstarch and talc. Life is much better now.

TLDR: Use less antiperspirant and try a deodorant stick without aluminum, like Arm & Hammer Natural Essentials, or try a Thai Deodorant Stone cause it rules. Also try applying talc/cornstarch to areas you get moist

And while we're on the topic of saving money on everyday hygienic activities, consider a safety razor (refill blades are $10 for 100 compared to $20 for 8) some nice sandalwood shave soap (I've had this bowl for a year and it doesn't really look like any is gone) and a nice aftershave (I get lots of compliments on the particular scent of this one from those who get close enough to smell it) I always use an after shave lotion with little or no alcohol, because alcohol dries your face out and makes you look older. Then moisturizer, then an anti-aging...

Before I started shaving like this, I had a bit of an acne problem and some parts of my face where I would get spots of dry skin, it's gone now. My skin is mostly clear. You're gonna get a much better shave that doesn't irritate your skin and save a ton of money when you think about the cost of Gillete Quadruple edged razors, plus how much more badass is it to shave like this? This is how your grandpa shaved. The upfront investment is a badger brush, which I called an investment because a good one will last you a lifetime.

That's my hygiene ramble.

Honestly I think you'd see a lot more success with a cheap badger hair brush and some shave soap (Proraso Shaving Soap In A Bowl - Refresh, 5.2 Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00837YY18/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Eb6qDbAN1EM1M)

I switched about 8 years ago and I'd estimate I've saved at least $400 in shave supplies. (Let's say minimum 2 cartridge packs a year at $25 each). For that alone I'd keep doing it but I also have a significantly better shave.

Another item that might improve your success is the actual razor. I've tried a bunch and these work best (Astra Platinum Double Edge Safety Razor Blades ,100 Blades (20 x 5) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QY8QXM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Bi6qDbR9FZ5HN)

Anywho...be glad to help further if you need...good luck!!

Ok, here is the cheapest "good" cloud chasing set up I can think of. I'm not going to include tools, but you'll want to get needle nose tweezers, scissors, a small screw driver set (to wrap your coils on), wire cutters (can substitute them for nail clippers if you want to save money) and potentially pliers.

• Mod: Stingray X Clone. Link: http://www.fasttech.com/product/1795000
  
  
• RDA: TOBH Clone. Link: http://www.fasttech.com/product/1716603
  
  
• Battery: Samsung 25r (use code LV20 on anything from Lightning Vapes to save 20%). Link: http://www.lightningvapes.com/products/samsung-inr-18650-25r-battery
  
  
• Charger: eFest LUC. Link: http://www.lightningvapes.com/products/samsung-inr-18650-25r-battery
  
  
• Ohm reader: Generic ohm reader. Link: http://www.lightningvapes.com/products/cartomizer-and-atomizer-ohm-meter
  
  
• Wire: 24 gauge wire. Can choose between 25'-1000'. Link: http://www.lightningvapes.com/products/kanthal-a1-resistance-wire
  
  
• Wick: Organic cotton. You have some wiggle room here. If you want to save money go to your local pharmacy and get some organic cotton balls. Price ranges from $3-$6 and that should last you a long, long time. A lot of people (including me) like Japanese cotton pads since they are easier to work with and may give you better flavor and wicking ability. Link: http://www.amazon.com/Cotton-Labo-ORGANIC-Puff-200pc/dp/B000TCD51A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421292839&sr=8-1&keywords=Japanese+cotton&pebp=1421292845541&peasin=B000TCD51A
  
  Price before shipping and discounts: $92.61
  
  There's a lot of wiggle room in here, but this set up is pretty high quality, easy to work with and once you get experienced you won't get much bigger clouds without getting into high end regulated or mechanical mods.
  
  I'll say it again though: definitely do your research and if you do decide to change some of this make sure you don't skimp on good batteries and chargers.

I think you need to revamp your entire skin routine to resolve this. Rule #1, be gentle, not only in exfoliation methods whether those be physical or chemical, but also you should pay attention to the chemicals you are putting on your face (ie products that are conflicting each other and if anything you're putting on your face is even what you need).
I would suggest washing with CeraVe for dry skin (it's inexpensive, super gentle, feels great!). Use a Konjac sponge if you don't have a Clarisonic (if you do use a Clarisonic only use the softest level of brush head and maybe only do it once a day properly meaning use a lot of water and plenty of cleanser to get the proper slip going on to not over aggravate your skin).
Only use mildly warm water, never hot, do not ever scrub your skin. Just gently exfoliate if doing physical exfoliation. You will need to do some form of gentle exfolation to remove the dead skin regularly.
If you wear make up start doing double oil cleansing. If you do not wear make up just ignore this sentence lol.
When you're done washing your face if you're going to bed: get an antioxidant serum to help support your skin, then layer a very good moisturizer, and then a "sealer" so a face cream that works that's heavier on top of that, maybe even add a few drops of oil to your final cream layer.

Go to bed: wake up, wash gently, pat dry, anti oxidant serum, daytime SPF at least 20 or more. If you find your SPF is too drying then you need to search for one that has some oil in it probably. I suggest using Supergoop Mineral for that.

I know it sounds like a lot but it really isn't. The main thing is just getting your products lined up and then wash/dry/apply. It just takes a few minutes, I promise, and your skin will look amazing.

If your skin can tolerate it- I'd try adding some AHA's to your routine also like a glycolic acid treatment a few times a week.

It largely depends on where you live and how quickly you need the items. As a general rule, if you're willing to wait a bit, you can find items much cheaper from non-Prime sellers on Amazon and overseas sellers on eBay. Also, if you're just purchasing a few things and they are heavy items, I find it's usually cheaper to stay away from sites with high shipping charges by weight, like Testerkorea and RoseRoseShop.

I usually do a lot of research when I make a new product purchase to find the lowest price from a reputable seller that I can. Partly because I just like shopping online for AB stuff and partly because I make it into a sort of game to see how cheap I can find something. It's like a hobby for me.

I recommend the Honey browser extension for Amazon. If you're looking for something it will tell you if there's a cheaper price available from another seller. It also goes through available coupon codes on many other online sites to see if there's one in the database that works for your order.

Anyway, I'm not sure where you live, but I did a bit of looking (I'm in the U.S.), and this is what I came up with. I can't guarantee these are the best prices out there -- just what I found from a bit of quick looking at a few different places.

Hado Labo foam for $9.40 with free shipping on Amazon (not Prime) here

The Face Shop Cleansing Oil - $9.58 with free shipping from Jolse here or $10.20 on Amazon Prime here.

Shiseido Aging Care Sunscreen on Amazon for $8.20 with free shipping (non-Prime) here.

Rosette Aqua Ceramide Gel - $12.45 with free shipping (non-Prime) on Amazon here.

OP, you should look more into hyaluronic acid. I know you said you did, but simply putting it on your skin isn't enough.

As someone else mentioned, HA can hold 1,000 times its weight in moisture. However, if your environment is dry, HA is so powerful it can actually pull moisture from your skin because there's nowhere else to pull it from.

So it's important to know if your environment is really cold, windy, or dry. Either way, one of the best ways to use HA is to mix it with another moisturizer.

I will highly, highly recommend you try Cerave lotions. There are a few different ones to try. Their new gel oil seems to be great for dry skin types.

At night, use heavier moisturizers, and put a thin layer of vaseline over your moisturizer.

Look into /r/asianbeauty, they know a lot about keeping your skin dewey, hydrated, and plump. As a matter of fact, one of the best products I see mentioned to moisturize skin that contains hyaluronic acid is Hada Labo's Gokujyun lotion

I always feel really polished if my nails are done. I don't have the time or the money to go to a salon to have them done, or to constantly do touch ups, so this is my routine, that I will do Sunday night, and it lasts me with no chips through Friday for sure:

1. Remove polish and wipe down nails with rubbing alcohol (the alcohol can be skipped, but allegedly helps prime your nails).
   
2. Apply a base coat of this Gelous gel base polish. (You might find this cheaper at Sally Beauty.)
   
3. Apply 1 coat of color - any brand.
   
4. Apply a second coat of Gelous.
   
5. Apply a second coat of color.
   
6. Apply a 3rd coat of Gelous.
   
7. Apply this fast drying top coat from Seche Vite.
   
   I occasionally skip the second coat of Gelous and it still seems to turn out fine. The seche vite top coat is honestly super fast drying and it leaves the most amazing shine on my nails, which just puts them over the top. People always comment on how great my nails look.
   
   One last tip for helping your manicure last: wear gloves when washing dishes or handling cleaners. This really helps my nails not chip!
   
   Other things that make me feel put together: a pair of stud earrings, a blazer, COFFEE.

Hi! Okay let's see hereee. Gather 'round, friends. I imagine this is going to get quite long.

My Skin: Oily t-zone, dryish cheeks and one weird dry half of my chin. I also deal with eczema on random parts, depending on what my body decides with be most annoying that particular time. Random things will make me break out, and basically if I don't cleanse with mineral oil at night I break out. I rarely break out anymore, than goodness.

Morning routine!

• Cleanse with Cerave foaming if I feel I got greasy during the night, or Pond's Original Cold Cream if I still want to cleanse my face but feel dry, OR just splash with water and a wash cloth.
  
  
• Apply Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion as my serum. It's called a "lotion" in the Asian skincare routine, but it really acts like a serum in a typical US routine. This is a hyaluronic acid serum that helps your skin retain moisture, and it gives my skin the moisture it needs to not be so oily.
  
  
• Apply either Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel which is pretty much every day except the driest days of winter, OR Cerave in the tub. Sometimes I mix a dab of the two together when I'm feeling cRaZyYy. I sometimes add a few drops of Passion Fruit Seed Oil.
  
  
• Apply Murad Oil-Control Mattifier, this stuff is sstttuuuppidd expensive at $40, and it has about 8 million ingredients that could upset your skin and you would never know which one it is, so I am often hesitant to suggest it for that reason. HOWEVER, nothing works as well for my oilies than this, and I always, always come back. HG, unfortunately.
  
  
• Apply either Clinique City Block SPF 40, Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid-Lotion Sunblock SPF 30 or Elta MD Clear SPF 46.
  
  Night Routine!
  
  
• Cleanse with baby oil and a washcloth. Sometimes use Pond's Cold Cream again, simply because it feels so nice. If I am planning on using an AHA, I will cleanse again with the Cerave Foaming Cleanser.
  
  
• Apply Alpha Hydrox Intensive Serum, 14% Glycolic Acid - AHA 1-3 times a week. Or use Stridex 2% Salicylic Acid Pads 2-4 times a week. Probably once a week, or every two weeks, I will use a Stridex pad and then the Alpha Hydrox. I wake up with the smoooooothest skin ever, but it makes me dry so I can only do it every now and then. Ever since I started using AHA and BHA, my blackheads and sebaceous filaments are almost completely gone.
  
  
• Use either the Hada Labo Serum again, or Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, which I LOVE. It's really expensive, but I really do love it.
  
  
• Moisturize with Cerave in the tub! I have a soft spot for Clinique Super Rescue Antioxidant Night Moisturizer but it's expensive and I only buy it sometimes! Sometimes I slather my face in Passion Fruit Seed Oil just because.
  
  Body!
  
  
• Cleanse with the regular Dove bar, or sometimes I do a weird broke-ass body oil cleanse with whatever body lotion I am trying to get rid of. I rub it into my skin and then wipe it off with a washcloth. Feels good, man.
  
  
• Cerave in the tub everywhere, twice a day if my eczema is acting up. Top with baby oil if bad. My eczema is either going to be okay with Cerave, or I need 3 months of oral steroids. There is no middle ground for us.
  
  
• I obsessively sunscreen the backs of my hands with whatever sunscreen I am trying to use up at the moment.
  
  Things I do sometimes!
  
  
• Makeup Artist's choice 40% Lactic Acid Peel
  
  
• Mario Badescu Silver Powder Mask
  
  
• Neem Seed Oil for spots treatment if I get a spot
  
  
• Hydrocolloid bandages if I have a zit that needs....drained. I don't know how to say that in a less gross way. These only work if they have come to a head or you've popped it, but if you put them on overnight, you wake up and it is completely flat. They suck the liquid out without drying your skin out.
  
  
• I love raw shea butter for those really dry times, works anywhere! Use this during the driest times of winter.

Sorry, what's TCA? A tca peel? If you're new to skincare please don't try a TCA peel to start with!! They are very strong and deep, I honestly don't recommend anyone do them at home ever. But especially not someone w/o extensive experience with peels. A gentle lactic acid peel is a great way to start out with them.

MUAC is a great choice for peels (I promise this is legit!) This is a good one to start with I recommend purchasing the sample kit, in my experience they last a super long time and you get to see if it'll work out for you.

And this is a good HA serum. You can check out the reviews on amazon too. Others might have more recommendations as well.

I'd like to suggest an alternative list. I don't have a lot of experience with a ton of different safety razors, but I did have a cheapo safety razor I inherited from my grandpa (RIP), and after 3yrs I spent under $40 on an Edwin Jagger and the difference was staggering. I'm not one to suggest unloading a ton of money on anything, but I'd suggest your priorities are a bit skewed when you're spending less on your safety razor than you are on your alum block (which is hardly a necessity, comparatively. Some people don't even like them, although I do)...

Here's my alternative suggestion that adds up to roughly the same amount of upfront $$ (~$50 - 60), but sets your priorities toward getting a fantastic, albeit affordable safety razor that will last you your whole life:

Edwin Jagger ($40)
http://www.amazon.com/Edwin-Jagger-De89bl-Double-Safety/dp/B003LW4L2W/

There are others in this price range that are good as well. I can't speak to those, but I doubt anyone here will argue that the Edwin Jagger is not a top contender for its price point. It's very popular.

I'd hold off on buying blades today (unless you really want to) since the above safety razor comes with 5 which should get you buy for your first 20 shaves or so if you want them to.. but when you do, buying them 100x at a time for ~$10 seems to be the right price point (and it'll last you 5yrs if you're like me), unless you like fancy feather blades or something. I've never noticed a difference between vendors, but others have. YMMV. Here's what I have:
http://www.amazon.com/Derby-Extra-Double-Razor-Blades/dp/B004SGKMA0/

That brush seems like a good price point. over $10 but under $20 seems to be a good price point for a decent quality brush unless you know what you're looking for. Mine has lasted me 3yrs so far and has no visible signs of wear or hairs falling out. I'd expect it to last another 3 at the very least, but probably many more.

Alum block? Skip it if you want for the time being, but I'd get it if I were you since it's just $6. It's the same one I have and it does its job of closing up nicks very well.

Styptic pencil is like $1 (maybe $2) at CVS / Walgreens, IIRC, no need to get on amazon if you don't want. Definitely get one of these, just don't lose the damn thing. Sure beats little bits of toilet paper on your face for hours and hours.

You can also get a puck of William's shave soap at CVS for $2 link which will last you a long time. If you want to spend a few bucks extra on that Palmolive stuff because you know it'll be better for your individual skin, then go for it.

In short: Spend the money on the safety razor, which should last forever. Skimp on everything else, which will not last forever. That's my advice. I spent 3yrs shaving with a razor that I had no idea was as comparatively awful as a good one. I wish I had known better at the time, but unfortunately I did not, and had pretty shitty shaves and got lots of nasty cuts for 3yrs that could have been avoided.

Oh! I've been drooling over that color forever. Good choice! ;) Are you a big red fan?

If you have patience, Amazon is seriously a steal for building an arsenal! And if the answer to the patience question is yes... may I suggest...

• Guides for basic designs!
  
  
• If you want to organize your collection! These are super helpful when it starts growing and you want to be able to catalogue and match colors for manis. :)
  
  
  
• Striping tape, for all the lines!
  
  
  
• In case you want to up your cuticle care game :) or maybe this set instead?!
  
  
  
• Dotting tools are you best friend! And if you're into cleaning up your nails, this is a fantastic bundle!
  
  
  
• Gotta keep the nails healthy! and a different option if you'd like
  
  
  
  
• Makes removal so much faster!
  
  
  
  
• A trusty quick dry top coat
  
  
  
• Pair your top with a trust bottom coat!
  
  
  
• Maybe you want to try your hand at nail art?
  
  
  
  That's what I've got for now... Hmm.. What did I miss?

My skin: Relatively pale, normal to slightly oily skin.

Biore Watery Gel (2019) or EltaMD UV Clear 46? Or possibly even Biore Watery Essence (2019)? I was also looking at the Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk Pink, but I’m slightly worried about the brightening effect as I’m a guy and don’t want people to ask me if I’m wearing something on my face. I don’t want anything noticeably “brightening.” That may sound dumb but I’ve never worn something with a brightening effect so I don’t know what it entails. As well, I looked into Biore Milk, but I’ve heard the new formulation has ruined them, or at least there is a couple threads about it on r/AsianBeauty. Apparently they don’t dry down matte like they used to.

I don’t wear makeup and have normal to slightly oily skin. Use tretinoin at night. Currently use Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ but it’s got a bit too oily/dewy finish for me. If I apply an 1/8th of a teaspoon, wait five minutes, and then apply an 1/8th more it’s not so bad though. Plus I don’t like that it’s not water, sweat, or sebum resistant.

I would prefer for the sunscreen to give at most a slight glow, but generally more in the neutral/invisible look or matte.

I’m leaning towards the EltaMD but I’m unsure if it will be good in the summer, or if I’ll need something lighter. As well, the EltaMD is $33 for like 47ml. I can get the Biore Watery Gel for $27 for 155ml. As well I can get the Biore Watery Essence for about $22 I believe for 85ml.

Currently I’m pretty limited to Amazon Prime as I’m nearly out of sunscreen and don’t want to wait for shipment. So I’m trying to only get sunscreens fulfilled by amazon so that they get to my house in a few days and not a few weeks.

You've already gotten better fashion advice than I can give, so I'll stick with skin care. My skin is also very dry and sensitive, so I've given this a lot of thought and research.

Number 1 is SUNSCREEN. I just got this Biore KAO JAPAN AQUA RICH Sarasara SPF50+/PA++++ 50g Sunscreen on the advice of /r/AsianBeauty and I'm in love with it. It's light and watery, not greasy like Western sunscreen tends to be! I'm happy to wear it every day. Pleasant light citrus scent, not copper tone coconut butt. It's awesome.

You need sunscreen because you should start exfoliating. Try a chemical exfoliant, they're more gentle. St. Ives makes wipes with AHA, they're pretty effective for me. Got those because of the more widely known skincareaddiction sub. Don't exfoliate until you've got a sunscreen in your routine, it leaves your skin vulnerable to sun damage.

Remove that sunscreen at night with a good cleanser before you exfoliate, I use this KOSE Softy Mo Facial Cleansing Oil Speedy, 0.5 Pound to remove makeup and sunscreen then this
Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser 150ml to remove the first cleanser and correct the pH of my skin so the exfoliant will work. Again from Asian beauty, my new favorite place. They're both very gentle, so it's okay to use two. It's called "double cleansing". Oil cleansing will maybe be a bit weird to you, as it's just smearing grease on your face! But it dissolves makeup perfectly. That oil will emulsify when it hits water. It turns milky white. It's weird, but it works.

Then I use CeraVe in the tub for moisture and healing ceramides at night.

That's my routine, it's pretty cheap as far as these things go and I'm super happy with it. I wasn't seeing any results from exfoliating until I got that low pH cleanser, now I can really feel it working and see the difference it's making. It does sting a bit, I've got a touch of solar keratosis on my chest from not wearing sunblock when I was young and dumb. Wear sunblock! Every day!

I'm not much of a makeup person, but I do use this sometimes SKIN79 Snail Nutrition BB Cream (SPF45/PA+++) 40g. It's very moisturizing and evens out my splotchy skin. It has snail goo in it. Supposedly a good thing, idk. But that and some eye shadow or liner and mascara is how I fancy up.

If you've got Amazon gift cards, then you can do okay. But it's buyer beware - unless you know exactly what you need, exactly how much it should cost, and exactly who you'll be buying it from, you're likely to get hosed. For example, that blade sampler costs double what it should. You can get the balm for $2.75 at WalMart (it's normally $5.50, but they've got a BOGO). And a styptic should only be a couple of bucks.

As to the particular items:

I haven't been able to find a blade sampler on Amazon that I could recommend. Tryablade.com is probably your best bet.

Buy the balm and styptic locally. There's no point in paying for "free" shipping.

Do not under any circumstances purchase that VdH kit. The cheap kit with a boar brush is a questionable buy, but it may be a decent choice for a beginner. The badger brush, on the other hand, isn't just overpriced, it's flat-out terrible. Get an Omega boar brush such as the 10048 or maybe a Vie-Long horsehair. If you really want badger, keep in mind that most of them sold on Amazon are crap; the WSP Prince is the least expensive one I'd recommend.

For soap, the WSP Rustic line is supposed to be pretty good. Strop Shoppe stuff is outstanding.

The razor you've picked will shave well, but the handle is slick and (for me at least) slippery. Consider the EJ Kelvin or the Parker 26c instead. Or, if you've got room in the budget, consider a Weber (not sure you can use an Amazon gift card, but since it's "hosted by Amazon" its seems that you should be able to).

Kurt Vonnegut. Everything he's written is so so good. I started with "Slaughterhouse Five" which is phenomenal, and read a lot of his other novels, but his short stories are my favorite. Namely the collection in "A Man Without A Country." I love his ability to criticize society and government through example rather than direct rant. I also like his use of sci-fi to make connections to the bigger picture of his ideas and arguments. His style is straightforward, but he's able to set the scene perfectly without you being like "come on, I don't care what color the curtains are, get on with it" which I find in so many other books. He gets to the point, but you enjoy the ride there. The way he pulls in humor and gets you to think critically about life is unmatched to this day, in my opinion. Whomever owns the rights to his stuff recently released (posthumously) a collection of letters he wrote and they are just brilliant.

So my favorite author is Kurt Vonnegut and my favorite book is "A Man Without A Country"

Other favorite authors are Sloane Crosley (hilarious!), Oscar Wilde (withstands the test of time beautifully), Veronica Roth (I'm reading the Divergent series right now and loving it), Jenny Lawson (also hilarious!), David Sedaris (so funny and charming), and Jim Derogatis (one of my favorite music journalists/writers).

Here's my item

Neil!

What do you mean by "steam pretty often"? Just want to make sure that isn't an auto correct typo, but if it isn't, you really shouldn't be steaming your face. Hot water exacerbates redness in the face because it dilates blood vessels underneath the skin.

While you are on Accutane, you will want to stick with gentle but effective whitening ingredients such as niacinamide and licorice root, and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as snail mucin and green tea.

Here are a few products that I am currently using that contain these ingredients and work well:

Cerave PM - contains a high percentage of niacinamide and is relatively inexpensive. Also contains a variety of ceramides which help maintain a healthy lipid barrier, which often becomes compromised when using topical and oral retinoids.
CosRX Snail 96 Mucin Power EssenceContains 96% snail mucin. This is incredibly calming and adds a bonus layer of moisture, something we definitely all need on Accutane.
Holy Snails Snowbang Essence This stuff is expensive, but worth every penny in my opinion. Of everything I use, this definitely has the most dramatic effect on my redness and irritation. It has niacinamide, green tea extract, ceramides, licorice root, and hydrolyzed oat extract.

Once you are have been finished with Accutane for a few months (you will want to get confirmation from your derm as to how long they recommend) you can start incorporating products like Vitamin C and topical retinoids which are highly effective, but far too irritating to use in conjunction with Accutane.

1a. Maybe start off on 28? I started off there and have tried 24 gauge, but I prefer the 28 because its easier to coil and build. (If you're daring I suggest trying a twisted 28. Good flavor, decent clouds, and juice is easier to deal with since I've found single coil to waste juice a lot more).

1b. Cotton is a little trickier since its your first time building, but I suggest looking around on some videos for tutorials and what not. I suggest Japanese organic cotton, don't have to boil, just wick and wet and you'll be ready. Here's what I use.

1c. This is a great tutorial about ohms and building.

2. Juice is really up to you and how you want it. I've heard that the best for the mini is 50/50? Could be wrong, but look around on /r/electronic_cigarette and there should be some stuff that answer your questions.

3. I suggest starting off on a RDA before you start building for the mini. Get something like the Dark Horse or Plume Veil. (again personal preference)

4. Buy yourself a charger with some batteries that will fit for your istick. Its a lot easier to just interchange the batteries rather than wait until the battery dies and then having to wait for it to charge.

Hope this helps!

I used a lot of acne face cleansers only to realize that they messed up my skin barrier (my face was really oily and prone to white heads)! My current AM face routine is Laneige White Plus Renew Bubble Cleanser followed by Missha FTE (currently testing this), Laneige White Plus Renew Emulsion + Essence. At night I cleanse first with DHC's Cleansing Oil, and then the same routine as AM but I seal in my moisturizers with Vaseline. After about three weeks of this routine, my face is no longer producing massive amounts of oil (although I still have residual hyperpigmentation and some white heads, hoping it'll be clearer in another week or two!)

If you're looking for cheaper moisturizers, Hada Labo makes a nice toner and lotion which I found to be quite useful (although it didn't agree with my skin in the long run. I've also had good results with Hadanomy Collagen line for cheap moisture! It seems a little counter-intuitive, but give yourself about a month trying out a new regime and see if that works better for you. Sunscreen is also very important, make sure you wear it every day even if it's overcast. I would also reiterate /u/herezy by focusing on skincare first before makeup! Good luck :)! It's frustrating at first but once you settle into a routine that works for you it's pretty amazing.

First time poster here but there will be plenty more to come.

Duke Cannon Shave Cream: This is some pretty good stuff. I mainly got it because of the ingredients you get for the price. It's 6 oz for $13 which is pretty decent. I smell manly as all shit after I shave too but that's half the reason we're in this right?


It's ranked above Art of Shaving on an About.com review which sells at lower quantaties and higher prices. ($16 for 2.5 oz)


70s Gillette Super adjustable: Butterfly open, long handle, awesome. Do they even make anything better than this?

My grandpa gave me his collection of saftey razors. I also have a 40's Gold Tech, some 1920s comb guard ones, and some SE ones I don't remember the name/brand of. They're a bit burried now but I can get pics later.

Rooney Brush + Vintage Old Spice Shaving Mug: Two more hand me downs.


The mug is a shave mug, has the slots to hold the soap in place etc.


The rooney brush is an English made badger brush. I'd been using those crappy Van Der Hagen brushes from the drug store and the hairs would come out in chunks no matter how I hung it to dry. This vintage thing hasn't lost more than 2-3 hairs and I've been using it for over a year.

Astra Superior Platinum Blades: $10 for 100x blades that cut like lasers.

Alright the elephant in the room: weird packaging. These things are made in St. Petersburg, Russia, distrubuted by proctor and gamble czech republic, have arabic all over them, and somehow hungary is involved.

Honestly I don't know what to say other than these blades are the sharpest for the price you can possibly get. I've tried vintage gillete super blues, 40s gillette thins, modern wilkinsons, and they all pulled. With these I could shave my whole beard without trimming it (I did for a speech class).

If you want to get into squonking, just know that there is more of an upfront cost involved. You can always go cheap, like with the Pico Squeeze and Kangertech Dripbox but those are not the greatest. I would recommend the HCigar Inbox. It is a 75w DNA device that uses a single 18650. Stick with regulated mods for now. For attys I'd recommend going with the Wasp Nano. For the price its great, squonk compatible and it is single coil so it's great to learn on to build with.

• HCigar Inbox - $68
  
  
• Wasp Nano - $12
  
  
• 2x Sony VTC5A - $7 per. The VTC5A is my personal choice as it is a very good for high wattage and mechanical mods. If you want a touch more batter life go with the Samsung 30Q
  
  
• LUC 2 bay Charger - $20 I'd reccomend the LUC over nictecore because they can charge the batteries faster. There is also a single bay charger but the dual bay is nice for when you may get a dual 18650 mod in the future. Your choice.
  
  
• Any pre-built wire from Advanced Vape Supply - $12-15. Would recommend regular clapton SS316L wire. SS316L is great as it heats up faster than A1 or Ni80 so it doesn't require as much power. Plus I think it brings more flavor to the table.
  
  
• Puffs Organic Cotton - $5 and it will last you well over a year
  
  TOTAL: about $132 before shipping
  
  Note: stay away from the predator, alien, and gen 3 RX!! There are POS.

Here is the Skincare Addiction sunscreen guide post, although it's a bit confusing. I found this Skinacea page to be much more helpful and to make much more sense when I was looking into sunscreens. Also look at the related links at the top of the page for more descriptions about what you need in a sunscreen. You should have something that's at least SPF 30.

I have skin that's really difficult to please with sunscreen. Sunscreen either clogs my pores or burns my sensitive skin. My skin is also combination/oily and acne prone. There are chemical sunscreens, physical sunscreens, and ones that use both chemical and physical blockers. Here's a helpful side-by-side comparison. The combination ones are generally suggested as the best for skin protection, but sometimes people react badly to various ingredients and the most important thing is the sunscreen provides broad spectrum, photostable protection. It's mostly about trial and error until you find something you like.

As far as the ones I've personally tried...

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen in SPF 55 felt really good going on. It only got a little greasy around my nose, but otherwise was dry. It seems like a number of people here like it for a drugstore sunscreen, but I broke out after a few days of using it.

I like MaryKay's SPF 30. It goes on dry and has a bit of a fragrant scent, so it doesn't smell like sunscreen. I've used this at the beach for many summers, though I'm going to try out some other sunscreens because I'm worried that it'll clog my pores if I use it daily. I think I may need an only physical sunscreen.

A lot of people here like the Elta MD sunscreens, which are a little pricier. People tend to recommend the UV Clear SPF 46 on this subreddit. I just ordered their UV Physical SPF 41, though I haven't tried it yet. It's important to note that the physical one is tinted, so it probably works best on more fair skin.

I'm no expert on sunscreens, but this is the info that I've researched and that's been provided by the subreddit. Thank goodness for /r/SkincareAddiction, amirite?

I find as the seasons change (it's getting warmer around where I am) my skin kinda freaks out and becomes very sensitive, especially the skin around my eyes.

Another commenter mentioned the Kikumasamune, but there's another one that's popular too called Cezanne. There are a lot of reviews on here about both. Hada Labo also makes a moisturizing toner. I think the key point it to layer moisture. So toner, essence, moisturizer.

Also, if you're not using a sunscreen you should get that as well (I can't remember off hand if the AM lotion you're using has SPF).

Also, one guide I like to link a lot is a beginner's guide by Snow White and the Asian Pear. She has a great graphic and examples of each type of product, just to give you a good overview and then you can go from there. I would say it's best to find a blogger that has similar skin concerns to you, because they're going to be your best bet on getting recommendations as they have been there, done that.

Edit: oops!! lol I didn't realize the comment had the same products listed, sorry!

It's ok. We all make mistakes! We are here to help. I recomment you use an AHA or BHA for your spots. A lot of people recommend this BHA and this AHA.


Stridex can be found at most drug stores like CVS and Rite Aid. St. Ives pads are trickier to find but Target has them online and they have free shipping for the holidays.


Also your oily skin can be caused by dehydration. Drink a lot of water and moisturize! This moisturizer is the most recommended and super easy to find. Any drug store or store like Target will have it. If you want a moisturizer that might help your spots try this one. It has niacinamide (i think that's how you spell it) which helps lighten spots left behind from acne.

I actually love giving manicures to friends and family. My mom once brought me to her patient's house to paint the nails of 3 little girls. Cutest thing ever!

As for tips, some of it is really product quality/chemistry. I recommend two specific products: Orly Bonder as a base coat and Seche Vite as a topcoat.

The base coat prevents your nails from staining, and this one is rubberized (it feels sticky if you touch it), so polish adheres really well. This top coat dries your nails in about 60 seconds. I am an idiot and always have to pee right after I finish my nails. I can actually do that with SV. This combo has been able to make almost every nail polish I use last as long as I want it to last (for me, up to 7 days, but usually closer to 4).

To prevent chipping, it's important to use as few thin layers as possible. Thicker polish chips easier. The best polishes are ones that are heavily pigmented, but thin. I could probably suggest several based on your favorite colors. But my favorite brand is probably China Glaze. Oh! Also to prevent chipping and peeling, don't flood the cuticles. I leave a small amount of space as a border on my nail. You can see it pretty well here, especially on the thumb. I do this either by being sparing with my application or taking a paintbrush dipped in acetone and cleaning up the edges when I'm finished. It thins out the sides, making the polish less able to peel up from the edges.

So, I found three new products after doing some bit of research.

KOSE Softy Mo Facial Cleansing Oil Speedy - I read that they updated the formula 6 months ago and all the reviews I could find are of the old formula, but of the old reviews everyone praised it for the skin issues I had. Also, I can't find the pH level of this one.

Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash - Plan to use this after oil cleanser. I read similar good reviews on this one for issues I have with my skin. The pH level is 5 according to that mega datasheet for cleanser pH levels.

Advanced Snail 92 All in one cream - Plan to replace my current moisturizer with this. Like the other two, read good reviews for my skin concerns with this one.

I don't think any of them have the niacinamide product you mention or alcohol, which I think dries my skin. I don't think my current moisturizer is working for me. After about two to three hours of applying my current moisturizer in the morning my skin may start to feel tight around my mouth/cheeks, so I picked a new one.

Aside from these three, I still need to find a toner I think. I already found two sunscreens that I plan to use. I don't know which of the three to buy first and test though. If I were to buy the oil cleanser first, would it be fine to use with my western routine? I figured it'd be best to get the oil cleanser/moisturizer first, then the second cleanser if the other two worked out. At the same time my current cleanser is making my skin feel tight/dry/flaky after using it so would it be better to start with replacing my cleanser first?

I really appreciate all the help you've given me by the way, it's helping me out so much.

Yes, AB using cleansing oils. It's a bit different than skincareaddiction (if you're also a fan of that sub) because most of the AB cleansing oils contain emulsifiers, which when mixed with water, allows the cleanser to wash cleanly off. Just to make sure that nothing is left on the skin, most ABs follows through with a foaming or hydrating cleanser (double cleanse). If you have mineral oil left and it doesn't break you out, keep using it and make sure that you are double cleansing. Once you are done with the mineral oil, you can check out some AB cleansing oils and see which style your skin prefers.

If you're fine with mineral oil, I would recommend trying Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil. It looks like this in the pink bottle. I like it more than the Deep version because it contains no fragrance, which is great for my sensitive skin. You can try using something cheaper like Cetaphil for dry skin (I think Walgreens even makes a generic one that is exactly the same) as the second part of your double cleanse, or check out the AB sidebar for some recommendations.

The good thing about having a compromised moisture barrier (can I even say this), is that it's not permanent. If you take the time to change your routine and baby your skin a bit, it will turn back to normal. I had a messed up barrier for awhile before finding AB, and once it was fixed I was pretty amazed at how much better my acne situation became.

So, focus on fixing your barrier first, then when you're ready, you can start to expand your skin routine to include products that focus on your skin goals (vitamin c, chemical exfoliants, etc.). Because you are on a budget, I would buy samples of everything first to make sure that your skin likes the product. I have a box of things I cannot use, because of my AB greed. :(

Good luck!

Tbh I don't think it's the percentage of hyaluronic acid that makes the Gokujyun lotion so great, but the molecular weight of it. The lotion uses a low molecular weight of HA which is more bioavailable, i.e. it will sink deeper into your skin rather than just sitting on top. The Gokujyun lotion actually uses 5 different types of HA with different molecular weights which, in theory, can hang onto moisture in varying levels of your skin. HA is also only effective in skincare products up to a certain concentration, so trying to maximize the amount of HA you get per dollar spent is probably going to be a waste of time at a certain point.

As far as cost is concerned, I got mine on Amazon for about $10. I'm really pleased with it so far and don't think I am missing out on any HA goodness because it's only $10.

Well the hyaluronic acid toner that I like is Hada Labo Hyaluronic Lotion Moist.
It goes a really long way. The HA serum from The Ordinary is also an option, but the texture is a bit stickier and it's only 30ml.

As for cleansers, generally avoid products with Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulfate, Alcohol Denat or fragrance in them. You can also check some reviews before buying a new product and see what other people have to say.
The CeraVe cleanser recommended in the other reply should be a good option. And to get the sunscreen and/or makeup off, you may like using an oil first. Just massage a bit of oil on your face to dissolve the products and then wash it off with the cleanser. You can just use some generic (unfragranced) mineral oil for that. It helps my skin not feel stripped after i wash it, and it takes everything off.

If you want to use an oil for moisturizing, make sure it's a cold pressed and unrefined vegetable oil. You can find tons of options on amazon or in Wholefoods-type grocey stores. Just mix a few drops in your moisturizer and that should help plump up your skin and give it a glow.
The Ordinary sells 4 oils. I use their rosehip oil and really like it. If your skin is on the dry side and not acne-prone, you may like their marula or argan oil. Depends very much on your skin type. Here's a thread about people's favorite oils:
https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/comments/6fu4a4/product_question_what_are_your_favorite_3_oils/

Hope this helped.

Parker and Merkur make good razors. They're more expensive than something like you could get from Maggard but if you have free gift cards, what the hell.

Razor - Long handled Merkur

I have this Parker brush and I love it. It is pricy and doesn't really fall under "starter" or "budget" labels but it is a nice, soft brush. If you don't want to spent that much or you want boar there are plenty of other options out there.

Tons of blade samplers out there. Pick the one that fits your budget.

I recommend a cream to start with as opposed to a soap. Creams are super simple to build lather with. TOBS is always a good choice. My favorite from them is Eaton College. but they have SEVERAL scents in their lineup.

That's all you really need and it can all be purchased from Amazon. Happy shaving.

-DW

It can be or it can't be. I started a couple of years ago (maybe 3?) and when I did, I spent about $120 for everything. Since then, I've spent a total of about $50. That includes blades and soap.

Really, to get started all you need is a razor and blades, then you can buy the soaps or creams piecemeal as you go. A lot of manufacturers will give you free (or cheap) samples of their products, so you can try before you buy.

My recommendations for starting out are:
razor
blades

You can get a cheaper razor, but I recommend a longer handle. You can also find nice older ones at antique shops for really cheap if you're willing to clean them up before using them. I'm not that patient, but maybe you are. The blades are a variety pack, so you can get an idea of what you like because they're all a little bit different. The last time I replaced my blades I bought these because they're really cheap (less than 10¢ per blade) and I like them a lot.

Eventually you might want to get a brush and some fancy soap, but I've seen brushes at Walmart for $5 or less.

There's a lot of fancy lingo that goes into wet shaving, but it's really not a whole lot different than using disposables. The only real differences are that you have to take better care of your skin (shucks), you don't have to press as hard with the razor, and you control the angle of the blade (a blessing and a curse.)

If you have any questions, please ask! There's also always the sidebars at /r/ladyshavers and /r/wicked_edge!

Sure thing! I wear very little makeup myself and like to think good skincare is a way to avoid "needing" makeup since the whole idea of makeup is just to enhance what you've already got going on.

Just for your consideration, I am 27 and white with normal to oily, fair/freckled skin. I am also about to sound like I am sponsored by CeraVe. Sadly I am not, but I fully enoucourage everyone to try them as they are a very gentle, high quality, and affordable line of skincare products.

Morning Routine

1. Cleanse with CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.
   
   
2. Tone with Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera. This toner is soothing, hydrating and makes your pores appear smaller. I apply with a cottonball and swipe it all over my face. Doing this also helps remove any makeup/sleep-crust/day-grime from your face that didn't come off when cleansing. Lots of toners advertise that they are pH balancing but don't actually have a pH low enough to accomplish this. I.e., do not spend $18 on a toner.
   
   
3. One pump of the Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum I recommended to OP. Vitamin C has been absolutely amazing for my face and has really evened out my skin tone. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that can stabilize free radicals, which helps prevent skin damage (skin damage = wrinkles and sagging). This product also contains hyaluronic acid, which is very hydrating. Applying acids to your face sounds scary, but fear not. The ideal skin pH is relatively acidic at around 5.5.
   
   
4. CervaVe AM Moisturizer with SPF. Always wear SPF during the day, even if you're going to be inside all day or it's cloudy out or whatever. Makes sure you're applying this to your neck as well. I use four pumps.
   
   Night Routine
   
   
5. Cleanse with CervaVe Hydrating Cleanser above.
   
   
6. Just after cleansing and while my face is still moist, I exfoliate with crushed aspirin. I use Bayer Back & Body because it contains both aspirin and caffeine. Aspirin has salicylic acid, which prevents and treats acne, and caffeine is antinflammatory and reduces both redness and dark circles. I do not suffer from a lot of acne -- when I do it is hormonal or stress-related. Since I started using this method to exfoliate at night any pimple that I get is gone within two days and with none of the redness and irritation I experienced in the past. Anyway, I just finely crush two Bayer tablets in a small ziplock bag and add a few drops of water to make a thick paste. Apply to the face using gentle, circular scrubbing motions. I typically then get another pump of the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser and continue to gently scrub for a minute before rinsing this off.
   
   
7. Tone with Thayer's as mentioned above.
   
   
8. Vitamin C serum mentioned above. I apply more at night -- three to four pumps.
   
   
9. I sometimes use a retinol cream at this point, but that's overkill if you're just getting into skincare. If you do eventually start using one, apply after you cleanse, tone and add serum but before your moisturizer. Do not use retinol during the day as it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
   
   
10. Four pumps CeraVe PM Moisturizer. I adore this shit; the consistency is amazing. I could be told it was made with aborted dolphin fetuses and I'd still use it.
    
    Sorry for the novel.
    TLDR: Cleaser, toner, vitamin C serum, moisturizer. Aspirin mask at night, always SPF in the day. Try CeraVe.
    
    Edit to say holy shit, gilded for nerding out over skincare? Thank you!!

With regards to shaving: You can get a fantastic shave without relying on the overpriced multi-blade cartridge razors so popular these days. I'd recommend the following as you can acquire them:

1. A reasonably priced stainless steel old fashioned double-edged razor handle. Here is one example on Amazon that is cheap with good reviews
   
   
2. A brush for lather, especially badger hair. I use this one by Tweezerman, also on Amazon
   
   
3. A decent shaving soap/cream. I use the Bigelowe brand from Bath and Body works, which is often on a Buy 2, Get 1 sale and a $10 tube of this stuff will last you a LONG time. As a matter of fact, I have an extra tube of the stuff at the moment. If you think you're going to spring for the razor and brush, PM me with your address and if you're in the US I'll send it to you. You only need a toothpaste-sided dab of this stuff to work into a lather, and it had an excellent minty feeling against your face.
   
   
4. Double-edged razor-blades, and you can get sampler packs in order to try different ones and see what you like best. Check in at /r/wicked_edge for opinions of different brands. Most are very economical on a per-blade basis compared to the multi-blade cartridges so many people use these days.
   
   
   A few additional helpful hints:
   
   

• Shave right after a hot shower, it wets the hair, opens up the hair follicles and removes dirt and debris from your face that otherwise might detract from your shave.
  
  
• The red "bumps" on your face may well be shaving bumps. Quick question: do you have curly, kinky or "nappy" hair? Many seem to be of the opinion that double(or more)-bladed razors exacerbate this, because when you pull the cartridge across your face, the first blade snags many hairs, pulling them out slightly from the follicle, and the next blade cuts the hair, which then drops below the surface of the skin. This results in a seemingly very clean smooth shave.... for the first day. If your hair is tightly curled as it grows out though, some of the hairs will grow into the skin instead of smoothly out the follicle, resulting in shaving bumps during the days after your shave. Using razors with single blades, and shaving right after a hot shower should reduce this.
  
  
• If you're using an old-fashioned shave with lather that you work up with a brush instead of from a can, you don't need a shaving bowl. If you're right handed, use your left hand as a paddle surface to work up a lather on, kind of like Bob Ross and his paint palette.
  
  Best of luck!