Beauty is Being Human

In February 2024, the Domestic Goblin decided to give The Ordinary skincare line another chance after being disappointed with some of their products in 2018/2019.

Items purchased and in the testing phase are:

~ Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

Claims to help decongest the skin.

Improves the blemishes from hyperpigmentation.

Will initially use in the evening once a month followed by a moisturiser.

~ Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution

Described as an expectionally stable, direct acting form of Vitamin C. 

Will initially use this once a week in the morning after cleansing and before applying sunscreen.

~ 100% Plant-Derived Squalane

Non-comodogenic.

Can be used on face and hair.

Will use in the evening when extra moisturisation is needed. For example, after using salicylic acid.

UPDATE

The salicylic acid solution foamed up on the face despite adjusting the amount used and despite adjusting the application technique. After 4-6 weeks, her skin barrier was sensitive and took at least a further fortnight to heal. Not sure if this was a purge effect but the Domestic Goblin decided to discontinue usage and reverted back to low percentage chemical peel pads.

Verdict: ❌

Although there were noticeable improvements to hyperpigmentation, after four months of usage, the ethylated ascorbic acid may have triggered contact dermatitis around DG's eyelids.

Verdict: ❌

 

Skin and hair actually felt drier after using the squalane. DG will revert back to her trusted favourites.

Verdict: ❌

Even though these products were recommended by Dr Vanita Rattan for people of colour, DG is once again disappointed with The Ordinary...

Beauty of Joseon

In January 2023, after hearing Dr Dray talking about the Korean skincare brand 'Beauty of Joseon' in one of her YouTube videos, the Domestic Goblin purchased some of their products and her thoughts are below.

~ Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng and Retinal

Works better as all over face moisturiser in the evening. Will not repurchase.

~ Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotic SPF50+ PA++++

Does the job. Useful handbag size for travelling. Will not repurchase unless offered in larger bottle sizes. 

~ Radiance Cleansing Balm

Does the job. Would be better if it came in a squeezable tube. Will repurchase in its current tub form, nonetheless.

Lotions and Unguents

Skin care products that saved Domestic Goblin's overwashed hands; neglected feet; or maskne irritations in 2020 and 2021:

~ ACWELL No 5.5 Licorice pH Balancing Toner

To help fade away hyper-pigmentation and uneven skin tone.

(This has replaced DG's previous favourite products: La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+ and various acid peel pads).

~ La Roche Posay Lipikar Baume AP +M

Soothing balm for extra dry, cracked or irritated skin.

~ Cicaplast Baume B5 

Portable tube for protecting the damaged skin barrier.

Frivolous September

September is not the time to be winding down your sunscreen use. The Domestic Goblin uses sunscreen throughout the year.

Here are the newer ones that she purchased recently:

~ Sunsense Lip Balm SPF 50

Verdict: Comfortable and non-sticky. Can be used over or under other lip products.

~ Altruist Face Fluid SPF 50

Developed by Dr Andrew Birnie, Consultant Dermatologist based in the United Kingdom. (Recommended by Dr Dray).

Verdict: Light and comfortable to wear (texture is similar to the Australian brand, Sunsense Ultra sunscreen). Would like to see a larger sized bottle offered. 

In addition, DG loves the fact that for every product sold, 10p is donated to charities that support children with albinism in Africa.

~ Frezyderm Velvet Face Sun Cream with SPF 50

(Recommended by Nigella Lawson and is favourited by Nafsika from Greece).

Verdict: It starts off with a clear gel texture that glides onto the skin like satin and feels lighter than air. Gives a comfortable matte finish. However, this needs to be used sparingly as it caused DG's skin to break out with over zealous application. Will recommend to others but won't repurchase.

Domestic Goblin also decided to ditch the Bio Oil (thank you, Dr Dray) and purchased the:

~  Tamanu Oil by Life-flo

(Mentioned by Liah Yoo, founder of Krave Beauty)

Verdict: Has a natural nutty scent. Seems to work well on the skin.  

December update: the tamanu oil congeals when the temperatures drop. Have decided to try Acwell's Licorice Toner instead. Will share verdict once order is received.

Frivolous August

After deliberating about it for a number of years, and recently experiencing mixed results from fleece pillowcases and a fleece fitted sheet, the Domestic Goblin purchased a set of satin pillowcases in the hope that these will protect her hair and face whilst sleeping.

Verdict: The cool satin helped the Domestic Goblin to sleep better during uncomfortable humid nights. Noticeable difference to her hair.

The Domestic Goblin also purchased the following skincare items:

~ iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream 

~ iUNIK Tea Tree Relief Serum

(Both recommended by Hyram Yarbro, skincare enthusiast from YouTube).

Verdict: Really helped to prevent further maskne breakouts and helped to calm down heat rashes on face and body. 

~ Beet The Sun SPF 47 PA++++ by Krave Beauty (recommended by Dr Andrea Suarez, dermatologist from YouTube).

Verdict: Comfortable on the skin and no white cast, however, a 50ml bottle will be used up very quickly. Hope that Krave Beauty offers a larger bottle soon.

~ CeraVe Salicylic Acid Smoothing Cleanser

~ CeraVe Salicylic Acid Smoothing Cream

~ CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF25

(Took advantage of the Boots 3 for 2 offer).

Verdict: The cleanser disrupted the skin barrier on my face and actually works better and is more effective as a body wash, once a week. The cream works effectively as a chemical exfoliator for the underarms reducing the need to buy deodorant. The moisturising lotion with SPF25 works fine but is rather thick for a lotion.  Won't repurchase the cleanser and the moisturising lotion.

Frivolous July

In 2018, the Domestic Goblin had completed a course of IPL treatments on her underarms, legs and Brazilian area with a local beauty salon. She was due for her annual top up in 2019 but due to other personal life distractions, she wasn't able to do this and had hoped to do this in 2020. Even though beauty parlours are allowed to re-open now, she was hesitant to return.

During the month of July, the Domestic Goblin decided to invest in an IPL device to use at home.

Product purchased:
~ Kenzzi IPL handset
Verdict: Does the job. Customer service very responsive.

* IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and is typically used for hair reduction, not removal *



The Domestic Goblin also discovered Stylevana.com, courtesy of Skincare By Hyram. This website sells Korean beauty products and currently offers free delivery to the UK if you spend over £30.

Products purchased:

~ Purito Centella Green Level Unscented Sunscreen SPF50
Pros: A comfortable sunscreen to wear. Pleased to hear it doesn't give a white cast on darker skin tones.

Cons: Only contains two UV filters. Rather small amount of product for the price.  

Verdict: Will gladly recommend to others but won't repurchase.

~ Coconut Oil Cleansing Pads by Solved Skincare
Pros: Does not break out the skin like raw coconut oil. Does not cause irritation to eyes. 

Cons: Pads were too big and too saturated for DG's liking. May suit someone who wears heavier makeup daily. 

Verdict: Will continue using but won't repurchase.

~ Coconut Water Cleansing Foam by Solved Skincare
Verdict: A pleasant cleansing experience but won't replace her damp face cloth method. Will recommend to others but won't repurchase.



Continuing on the coconut theme, Domestic Goblin also purchased two new deodorant sticks:

~ Kopari Coconut Deodorant
Verdict: Glides on easily and doesn't leave any white marks on clothing. Will need to test for a longer period before giving a final verdict.

~ Mitchum Bamboo Powder Coconut Deodorant
Verdict: Works well but leaves a lot of white marks on dark clothing. This is a deal breaker.  Will not repurchase.

Frivolous June

In June 2020, the Domestic Goblin decided to treat herself to two products recommended by Nigella Lawson:

~ Ful Vic Face Cream by Victoria Health
A multi-functional face cream that will:

• Assist in every stage of cell rejuvenation 
• Remove toxins 
• Brighten, firm, tone and improve the appearance of enlarged pores 
• Hydrate and moisturise for a plumper more youthful complexion
• Provide triple antioxidant protection from Fulvic acid, ALA and CoQ10 
  

Suitable for all skin types including sensitive, acne and rosacea-prone skin and is vegan-friendly.

Verdict: Works better in the morning along with another moisturiser or sunscreen. 

~ Intensive Hand Treatment by Ameliorate
An all in one hand cream to exfoliate, renew, soften, moisturise and protect delicate hands.
Main ingredients include:

• Lactic Acid for exfoliating and moisturising as well as lowering the skin's pH
• LaH6 Skin Hydration complex for providing up to 12-hours of moisture
• Barley extract for skin soothing and softening

Designed for those with very dry hands; dehydrated, rough, chapped skin; and hard cuticles.

Verdict: Works well with dry hands as well as feet and legs!

~ Earlier on in the month, Domestic Goblin also made a small donation to 'Meals for the NHS' (an initiative providing frontline NHS workers, who are often working long gruelling shifts, with free meals from local restaurants) and also to 'Wintercomfort' (a Cambridge-based day centre providing a range of support to those who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes).

Domestic Goblin's Skincare Routine 2019 / 2020

Evening

Face:
~ Cleanse/remove make up with Merumaya Cleansing Balm, followed by a damp face towel and then use micellar water for any residue.

~ Apply Toleriane Ultra Fluid by La Roche Posay.

Once a week:
~ Apply Prickly Pear Seed Oil by Garden of Wisdom, in place of the Toleriane Ultra Fluid.

Once a month/once a quarter:
~ After cleansing and before moisturising: Use acid peel pads on face.
~ After cleansing and before moisturising: Use nose pore strips.

2021 UPDATE: Domestic Goblin is experimenting with licorice toner in place of the acid peel pads.

For random breakouts: iUNIK Tea Tree Relief Serum.

Morning

~ Wash face with a damp face towel.
~ Moisturise face and neck with Effaclar Duo+ SPF 30 by La Roche Posay.

2021 UPDATE: Domestic Goblin no longer uses the Effaclar Duo+. She now uses the Fulvic face cream from Victoria Health followed by the Altruist face fluid SPF 50.

Body

~ Cleanse/scrub with Rub Rub Rub by Lush with exfoliating gloves.

~ Moisturise with Bio Oil or Embryolisse Lait Creme Fluid.

2021 UPDATE: Domestic Goblin no longer use Bio Oil and currently testing out the CeraVe moisturing cream and the La Roche Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M.

Going 50% Clean

Over the years, Domestic Goblin has dabbled with and tested many 'clean' items such as:

• Makeup (mineral powder foundation, mascara, lipstick, eyeshadow)
• Hair/bath (shampoo, bubble bath)
• Skincare (cleanser, eye cream, sunscreen)

All with varying success...

In continuation of Domestic Goblin's attempt to become at least 50% 'clean', here is a list of products that have been purchased and in the testing phase:

~ Unscented Gentle Deodorant Cream by The Natural Deodorant Co

~ John Masters Lavender and Rosemary shampoo 

~ Lily Lolo Big Lash Mascara

~ Lily Lolo Vegan Lipstick in the colour 'Stripped'

~ Peppermint and Aloe Toothpaste by Green People

~ The Environmental Bamboo Toothbrush

~ Sarakan Mouth Wash


Read Domestic Goblin's September 2019 blog post to see what she thinks of the products so far...


Below are items on the wish list:

~ Dr Bronner unscented castile liquid soap

~ Natracare or Eco Naty sanitary towels

~ John Masters Volumising Foam

~ Kitchen and bathroom cleaning products by Method

~ Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

~ Always Loved or Joyful by My Daughter Fragrances

* 'clean' = natural, organic, no chemical nasties, environmentally friendly, safe to use on humans, won't harm other living things *

Domestic Goblin's pharmacy

Indispensable items:

Nose pore strips (for removing blackheads).
Glycolic acid pads (chemical exfoliation to achieve brighter skin and improve uneven skin tone and texture).
SPF 50 sunscreen by Sunsense.
Blot Out Offensive primer by Nurturing Force
Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm
Micellar makeup remover
Bio Oil
Embryolisse Lait Crème Fluid
Olay Regenerist Day Cream with SPF 30
La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+
La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra Creme
Aloe Vera Gel
Stick deodorant
Moisture spray
Optrex eye mist
NYX HD eyeshadow primer
Bobbi Brown Pale Yellow Face Powder
Laura Mercier Mineral Powder Foundation
Automatic/twist up/mechanical eyeliner
MAC Dervish lipliner
Badger Balm
Nuxe lip balm
Teaspoon
Kabuki brush
Eyeshadow brush
Blending/crease brush
Angled liner brush
Blusher brush

'Rub rub rub' shower scrub from Lush
Keratase Bain Vital Dermo Calm or Gielly Green Classic Shampoo

Weightless Volumising Hair Mousse
Keratase Elixir Ultime

Kingfisher Natural Toothpaste (mint, with flouride)

Sarakan or Ultradex Mint mouthwash

Abnormal Skincare

The Ordinary

In the autumn of 2018, (after a couple of years of resisting the urge to jump on the band wagon), I have decided to try out this brand of skincare after an Australian dermatologist Dr Davin Lim gave his honest and convincing review of some of the products.


Purchased and in the testing phase:
~ Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone for autumn/winter.
~ Natural Moisturising Factors + HA for spring/summer.
~ 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil for night time.


Next on the 'to-test' list:
~ The Buffet
~ Invisible UV Filters SPF 35 with Antioxidants
~ Moroccan Argan Oil


What products from The Ordinary range have you tried?



March 2019 update: No noticeable differences to my skin.

G Team

Glossier.com
democratize beauty
Skin first. Makeup second. Glossier - beauty products for real life.

I stumbled upon this brand whilst watching a current favourites video by Estee Lalonde starring Allegra Shaw who mentioned her favourite daytime mascara. Keen to find a mascara that matches my Holy Grail (Maybelline Full n Soft Waterproof), I had initially planned to order just the mascara online but ended up purchasing three products:


~ Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen SPF30
A clear gel sunscreen. Felt comfortable on my skin. Like the fact that it won't go ashen on other skin tones. Very small bottle for the price.


~ Milky Jelly Cleanser
A standard conditioning facial cleanser that is kind on your eyes. Does not claim to remove waterproof mascara  - you will need an oil cleanser for that.



~ Lash Slick Mascara
Dry formula which did not clump regardless of how many layers you apply. However, although this mascara gave me length, it also gave me anorexic-thin and brittle looking lashes. It also did not hold my curl. Deal breaker on all parts.




Complimentary fragrance sample: 
~ You 
Claims to have notes of iris root, pink pepper, ambrette, ambrox and musk. However, according to my nose and two other colleagues, it just smells like fruity hair conditioner. 

First purchase - August 2018

Verdict: products were not good enough to warrant a second purchase.

Little Pots of Goodness

Olay Total Effects 7 In One Eye Transforming Cream

Badger Balm for Hardworking Hands

Nuxe Reve de Miel (lip balm)

Loved By Lou Lesage (red tinted lip balm)

Phan-tastic Tips

Egg White and Yolk Mask

Michelle Phan suggests using organic eggs laid by happy free range/cage free hens.

Separate the egg whites and the egg yolk into separate bowls.

Beat the egg whites until frothy.

Using your fingers, apply a tablespoon of egg whites onto your clean face.

Allow it to dry for a few minutes.

Rinse off the egg whites and pat dry your face with a face towel.

Now use the egg yolk as a natural moisturiser. You only need to scoop a forkful of the yolk and apply onto your face using your fingers.

Wait for it to dry for a few minutes.

Rinse off the yolk and pat dry your face with a face towel.

Michelle Phan's tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk4xdYt3ick

Rice Water Toner

Michelle Phan recommends using organic rice which contains no pesticides.

Save the water that was used to rinse the uncooked rice. This water should appear cloudy.

Pour the rice water into a small container and store in the fridge.

Michelle Phan's tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByP2YvqfnnI&feature=relmfu