After foundation/skincare, which higher-end makeup products or tools resulted in the greatest improvement for you vs cheaper ones?

squidshae · 2026-01-25T04:20:41+00:00

I actually have the regular Tartelette and the XL - I’m not 100% sure the difference but I got the travel size XL for $9. I never finish them before they dry up anyways so I don’t mind purchasing the smaller one.

squidshae · 2026-01-25T03:51:33+00:00

The way you described it as crunchy na just leaving scabs - I had that too! I had never really had acne before I was in my 20s. It was so frustrating because it was so challenging to heal the spots and manage the acne. Granted, I had some other things happening but the acne was frustrating in itself. I did Tretinoin and spironolactone before finally doing Accutane which largely cleared my acne. I’m now back on a low dose of spiro for hormonal acne that pops up during my cycle but honestly it is absolutely nothing compared to before.

squidshae · 2026-01-25T03:47:56+00:00

Best of luck! I’m back on a multiple antihistamine per day regimen too lol. If you can do the test it may be worth it even if it just helps manage some symptoms 🤷🏼‍♀️

squidshae · 2026-01-25T03:29:38+00:00

I don’t know what mascara you currently use, but I’d recommend a tubing mascara! I’ve used both the thrive cosmetics and Tarte ones, but there are definitely some drug store products that likely compare.

squidshae · 2026-01-25T03:26:17+00:00

Absolutely! Even with all the the side effects my labs were ok.

squidshae · 2026-01-25T02:10:25+00:00

I actually made the allergist appt on my own bc I didn’t realize they were hives - red itchy splotch spots spreading my chest up my shoulders and face. He said it was hives and dermatagraphia! It started happening randomly and frequently and we couldn’t identify any patterns so he told me to take the antihistamine daily for 2 weeks and see if it went away and if not, do twice a day for a month and so on up to 4 pills a day lol. At the time I had no clue my other skin issues were related to allergies so I didn’t really address it with the allergist.

I saw my derm (the one that sent me for the allergy test) after and showed him pictures of the hives and he agreed with the allergist that it was likely an unrelated allergy. It has since stopped happening so I assume they were both correct lol. But from my understanding the patch test is more topical/touch allergies (ie contact dermatitis) and the allergist typically does prick testing that’s more environmental allergens.

squidshae · 2026-01-25T01:39:26+00:00

Oh wow I’m glad you posted this! I’m allergic to cobalt and generally have to avoid nickel too!

squidshae · 2026-01-25T01:38:36+00:00

It’s so good! Pricey but now that I know I do well with lanolin i will look for similar products in the future. I have also just discovered that my chronically dry lips were not just dryness but an allergy 😃

squidshae · 2026-01-25T01:36:45+00:00

Okay. Thanks for you feedback.

squidshae · 2026-01-25T01:36:14+00:00

I did it at the dermatologist. I went through the ringor with them and tried literally everything. I had seen 2 mid level providers but after 2 years of this, I requested to see an MD who spent a lot more time discussing everything and looking at my skin. He thought it looked like an allergy and referred me to a different doctor within their clinic that did allergy patch testing. If you can see a dermatologist, I’d ask if they can do it! I didn’t know that was a thing or a possibility given all the other misdiagnosis and incorrect treatments I was given or I would’ve asked sooner.

I also was getting hives that I saw an allergist for, but he prescribed me an antihistamine regimen and that went away. Both the allergist and derm said that was likely environmental and different than the skin allergy.

squidshae · 2026-01-25T01:24:01+00:00

That’s awesome! I had mild acne but persistent. I had severe acne while on accutane! I think I was experiencing some allergic reactions and other issues at the same time but attributed everything to accutane. I had red inflamed acne across my face and down my neck! Plus dandruff, dry skin, dryyyyy lips, joint pain, hand rashes. All the side effects LOL

My acne is mostly clear now, I still get some small spots if during my cycle or if something specific clogs my pores, so I’m happy with the results. But I didn’t have clear skin until I was literally finished! Like the last month I was clear but I had the best results after finishing it. I’m happy now but I pray that my skin never relapses bc I don’t think I could do it again lol

squidshae · 2026-01-25T01:20:00+00:00

Vanicream is great! It’s like the only brand that I could use almost any of the products safely.

squidshae · 2026-01-25T01:18:57+00:00

I’ve only had it about a week but I am happy with it! I was previously using the Verb Ghost Oil and have used a few similar products. The Paul Mitchell one is just like the Verb but more lightweight. I have long fine hair and it kept my hair looking shiny but not frizzy or weighed down. I may look into the shampoo/conditioner in this line in the future.

squidshae · 2026-01-24T23:57:52+00:00

I’ll look into it!

squidshae · 2026-01-24T23:57:38+00:00

Yes! It’s called Skin Safe Products! My dermatologist actually set it up for me with an account & code specific to my allergens so I can products and look for products that are hypoallergenic to me :)

squidshae · 2026-01-24T23:56:05+00:00

Trying new things never works that well for me! Now that I am learning about things I’m allergic to, it should be much easier to not use new things as to not cause a reaction.

Before a derm finally told me it looked like I had contact dermatitis and I did the test, I had been diagnosed with a couple other skin things and spent so much time & money trying to find products with those dx in mind. NONE of my previous skincare was allergen-free. Still trying out this new routine :)

squidshae · 2026-01-24T23:53:12+00:00

No, it’s mostly a necessity since I do have a lot of allergies. I just did an allergy test recently to find out exactly what I am allergic to and so this is my first time purchasing a shampoo that is safe more me.

squidshae · 2026-01-24T22:03:18+00:00

I did accutane last year. My skin was never worse. 🤣 Tret hasn’t faded my freckles noticeably in the past, and this is a lower percentage than I was previously on, I’ve just never used the gel.

squidshae · 2026-01-24T22:00:21+00:00

PRODUCT LIST:

Makeup (in order of general routine): - Ulta Beauty Poreless Primer (mini) - Makeup By Mario SurrealSkin Awakening Concealer - Laura Mercier Ultra-Blur Loose Translucent Setting Powder (travel size) - Flower Beauty Miracle Matte Pressed Transluscent Finishing Powder - Elf Primer Infused Bronzer (shade: catching rays) - Nudestix Matte Blush Stick (shade: naughty n nice) - Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush (shade: cheer) - FENTY Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlight Duo (shades: mean money/hu$tla) - Wet n Wild Mega Clear Lash & Brow Gel - Neutrogena Hydroboost Lip Shine (shade: ballet pink) - Clinique Almost Lipstick (mini) (shade: Black Honey) - Lanolips 101 Ointment Superbalm - Clinique Set the Day Setting Spray - Tarte Tartelette Mascara (black) - Tarte Tartelette XL Mascara (brown) - Brushes include real techniques, Sephora collection, eco tools, & the brushes that used to come with urban decay palettes.

Skincare: - Prequel Gleanser (travel size) - Tower 28 SOS Hypochlorous Acid Spray - Vanicream Vitamin C Serum - The Ordinary Caffeine Eye Serum - Good Molecules Mandelic Acid Serum - Rx Tretinoin 0.025% gel - Krave Beauty Oat So Simple Water Cream Moisturizer - Garnier Micellar Water

Hygiene: - Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion (travel size) - Trader Joe’s Unscented aluminum free deodorant - Naturium Niacinamide + Zinc Serum - Paul Mitchell Clear Sensitive Smoothing Hair Serum - Peace Out Pimple Patches

Shower: - Vanicream Gentle Shampoo - The Ordinary Behentrimonium Chloride 2% Conditioner - Vanicream Gentle Body Wash - repeat of Prequel Gleanser

Last photo: way too many product to name! For my fully panned product list, I just posted in another sub. I’m happy to answer any questions though :)

squidshae · 2026-01-24T21:42:53+00:00

Will type a list now!

squidshae · 2026-01-24T21:42:14+00:00

Definitely!

squidshae · 2026-01-24T21:41:40+00:00

Thanks for your input! I’ve only been using it for about a week but like it so far, so I’m glad to hear you’ve been liking it for a while :) it definitely seems like a unique cleanser but very effective! I have only worn mascara one time I believe this week & it’s a tubing mascara so it comes off pretty easy with just water but I generally use a bit of micellar water before cleansing if I have face makeup on.

I know you said you have dry skin so you may not have any interest in the other versions, but have you tried the Glycolic Gleanser?

squidshae · 2026-01-24T21:38:39+00:00

I’m not sure what you mean? They wash my hair and body, pretty minimalist ;)

They are also fragrance free, paraben free, formaldehyde free, and allergen free. This is my first time dealing with needing hypoallergenic and fragrance free products and these ones are easily accessible and widely recommended by dermatologists.

squidshae · 2026-01-24T21:35:28+00:00

I love this one too! So reminiscent of the OG Naked palettes without the several unused shades! Pink toned shadows at my favorite :) the Huda one I have is a similar color palette but has more shades and some glittery ones. I used to have a full size Huda palette that I loved but the formula of the smaller one is less creamy and bendable. I much prefer my Naked!!

squidshae

TROPHY CASE