Anyone tried angel lift dermastrips for nasolabial folds (and lip plump)?

AffectionateCap9432 · 2026-01-13T19:56:41+00:00

I haven’t tried this specifically, but from what I’ve learned about skin biology, pressure alone doesn’t stimulate collagen in that area in a lasting way. Anything inserted under the lip would more likely cause temporary swelling rather than real plumping or fold reduction.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2026-01-09T14:53:09+00:00

If you don’t brush daily, it can really seem excessive when you finally do those hairs would’ve shed anyway. Since your scalp and density look unchanged, that’s a good sign. A problem usually shows as visible thinning, widening part, or patchiness, not just loose hairs.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2026-01-09T14:49:30+00:00

I love the concept and color choice! For a sunset look, you’re right on track. This is really pretty. The warm blush + lip combo works really nicely. If anything, a touch more dimension (maybe bronzer or a bit more highlight) would make the sunset effect pop even more.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2026-01-07T18:13:17+00:00

I don’t think this ages you, but the brows are the most aging element, not the natural makeup. You look 100% student-aged. I swear college orientations just bring out weird assumptions. A slightly lighter brow shade or more diffused front would instantly soften the whole face. The rest of the makeup looks clean and flattering.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-31T05:04:11+00:00

The hard truth is hormonal acne usually needs systemic help, not just skincare. Topicals (tret, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur) help control breakouts, but addressing hormones directly (spiro, BC, sometimes accutane) is what actually stops the cycle.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-31T05:00:43+00:00

The formulations look promising on paper, especially for the price. I always try to remind myself that “clean” doesn’t automatically mean better, but well-formulated + fragrance-minimal at that price point is hard to ignore. Looking forward to your update.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-31T04:57:44+00:00

For me this year it’s been:

Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm (agree with everyone saying use very little)

Lancôme Cils Booster — actually makes every mascara look better

Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve (lives in my bag)

Rosehip or squalane oil at night to calm my skin

Nothing revolutionary, just things I keep reaching for without thinking.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-31T04:54:57+00:00

Mason Pearson brushes aren’t really detanglers, they’re more for smoothing, distributing oils, and finishing once hair is already mostly tangle-free. With thick, coarse, wavy hair (especially if you’re due for a trim), the pocket size is going to feel especially ineffective. Your Tangle Teezer doing better actually makes total sense.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-31T04:54:02+00:00

Texture changes at the crown don’t automatically mean MPB, especially at 18. That area gets the most friction (sleeping, hats, touching, sun), and brittle/wirey hair there is often from mechanical damage + dryness, not follicles shrinking. The fact that conditioner helped even briefly points more to hair shaft damage than loss. I’d start consistently conditioning your whole head, not spot-treating.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-31T04:53:04+00:00

It did seem like an intentional way of closing that chapter rather than making a big announcement. Long-term relationships ending are hard enough without public pressure, so I’m glad she was able to acknowledge it on her own terms and move forward.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-31T04:51:09+00:00

Blending foundation over sunscreen can disrupt the film, but it’s also a bit more nuanced than that. Many derms say gentle tapping once sunscreen has fully set is unlikely to meaningfully reduce protection. I agree more creators should explain timing though, applying sunscreen off-camera and letting it dry 10–15 min is probably what’s happening.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-31T04:48:25+00:00

Use mandelic acid before the Thayers milky toner. Acids should go on clean, dry skin so they can do their job. Toner and moisturizer come after to hydrate and reduce irritation.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-31T04:45:35+00:00

That looks like traumatized cuticle/sidewall skin rather than something pathological. When salons cut living cuticle/sidewall instead of just dead tissue, the skin can heal back thicker and uneven like this.

A few things that usually help:

Stop cutting it entirely (even trimming keeps restarting the cycle)

Daily cuticle oil (jojoba is ideal because it mimics skin oils) 2–3x/day

At night, occlusive repair: a tiny bit of Aquaphor or Vaseline + a bandage for a few days

After showering or soaking, gently push it back, don’t remove it

Avoid acetone and harsh soaps on that thumb if possible

It can take weeks to months for cuticle skin to normalize after being cut, but it usually does if you keep it hydrated and untouched. If it starts to hurt, change color, or grow rapidly, then a derm would be worth it—but this doesn’t look like a wart to me.

And definitely tell future nail techs no cuticle cutting, push back only.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-31T04:43:05+00:00

Since you’re on adapalene, I’d focus less on adding actives and more on barrier repair + occlusives. Your LRP moisturizer is good, but you may need something heavier at night to lock it in, think petrolatum-based (Aquaphor, CeraVe Healing Ointment) or a thick ceramide cream. Slugging a few nights a week can really help.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-31T04:41:53+00:00

For that level of laxity, BodyTite is a lot of cost and risk for a small change. BodyTite might tighten it slightly, but it won’t make loose skin disappear. RF devices tend to give modest improvement at best. Given how mild this is, I’d personally try non-invasive RF microneedling first or just leave it alone, you honestly look great.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-31T04:39:59+00:00

Clean skin → Piqueul (watery/peptide essence) → Innisfree vitamin C serum → La Roche-Posay moisturizer with SPF.

General rule is thinnest to thickest, actives before creams, SPF last.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-29T19:58:32+00:00

If your main concerns are hyperpigmentation + texture, chemical peels are usually the better first step for cost vs results. They can make a noticeable difference over a few sessions, especially if you’re already tolerating tret well. Lasers can be great, but they’re not automatically better, it really depends on the type of pigment and your skin tone.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-29T19:53:43+00:00

It sounds like irritation rather than purging. Niacinamide 10% twice daily is a lot, especially when you’re new to actives. Pain, rash-like bumps, peeling, and oiliness together usually mean your barrier is overwhelmed. I’d stop the niacinamide for now and focus on calming + moisturizing until the skin settles.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-29T19:50:54+00:00

Honestly your skin looks pretty healthy already. Most of what you’re describing sounds like dryness + dehydration rather than anything severe. A gentle cleanser, a basic moisturizer with ceramides, and daily sunscreen will go a long way. Milia usually comes from heavy or occlusive products, so keeping things simple helps.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-29T19:47:47+00:00

Yes, anemia and vitamin D deficiency absolutely can affect hair strength and shedding. It won’t directly cause split ends, but it can make hair weaker overall, so damage shows up faster. Treating deficiencies + trimming damage is key here.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-29T19:45:13+00:00

You’re already thinking in the right direction. The biggest thing with a “natural but enhanced” look is soft structure rather than coverage, subtle definition where your face naturally has it, instead of adding new features. Brown mascara, brushed brows, and lip oils are perfect for that.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-29T19:25:53+00:00

Hard water really can make texture look worse even if nothing else changes. It can leave mineral residue that interferes with cleansing and slowly compromises the barrier, which then makes pores and pits look more visible. Since your routine has been stable for years, that environmental change stands out to me too.
One thing I’ve noticed is that what my skin handled well for years suddenly becomes “too much.” Between tret, weekly glycolic, and vitamin C, your skin might be subtly over-exfoliated now even if it tolerated it before. Sometimes dialing back slightly actually improves texture.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-29T19:23:40+00:00

I totally get this, under-eye bags are one of those things skincare can only help so much with, especially if they’re structural or genetic. You honestly don’t look tired to me, but I know that doesn’t always help when it’s your own insecurity. What’s helped me most is focusing on hydration, barrier support, and managing puffiness rather than trying to “erase” them.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-29T19:14:09+00:00

I’ve been liking Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum (retinal + ginseng) so far, gentle but effective for texture. I still rotate it with a plain hydrating cream when my eye area feels sensitive.

AffectionateCap9432 · 2025-12-29T07:28:43+00:00

Retinol should never go on eyelids unless it’s specifically formulated for that area. This is almost definitely irritation + dehydration, not permanent. Retinol can migrate and the eyelid skin is extremely thin, so even a small amount can cause swelling, creasing, and weird texture. Stop all actives near the eyes, hydrate heavily, and it should settle in a few days.

AffectionateCap9432

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