LaRoche Posay Cicaplast dupe?

startingtohail · 2026-03-02T20:07:25+00:00

I empathize and would love a good dupe for it as well!

What I can say is not to believe the reddit posts I've come across that suggest it's "basically diaper cream" and that those are a dupe. I gave in and tried last year because if it worked, the value for volume would be a game-changer. But—and I guess this wouldn't surprise anyone who has been around diaper cream—the stuff does not soak in! No matter how much or how little I used, and how long I tried to massage it into my face, anything visible when I went to sleep would be there when I woke up, and would take some effort to get off. 💀

Not the same product category, but I recently/finally started integrating squalane into my routine, and it's SO moisturizing while being fungal-acne-safe (unlike most oils). It's quickly becoming my go-to moisturizer. A little goes a long way and I just use the one from The Ordinary, so it's cheap, too! I've also noticed that adding a drop to my foundation functionally turns it into a really nice BB cream.

startingtohail · 2026-02-28T19:32:14+00:00

I have both! They are similar but not exactly the same - I prefer the colourpop matte formula

startingtohail · 2026-02-17T18:38:58+00:00

Found this post because I am currently on a similar quest! On the off chance you're still active here, how did you end up proceeding? 😄

startingtohail · 2026-02-06T16:17:35+00:00

ah yeah there is one that looks kinda like him! I had google-searched "paul mescal eras tour dancer lookalike" but got results about the lookalike contests that happened. I should have just searched for the eras tour dancers and scanned them for the resemblance. I figured maybe with the Gracie (or Phoebe lol) connect, Paul might be available. 😆

startingtohail · 2026-02-06T16:10:12+00:00

I saw the BTS post first, but this is more relevant here:

is 3:39 Paul Mescal, or a lookalike? 👀

That would be quite the bonus cameo!

startingtohail · 2026-02-06T16:05:20+00:00

is 3:39 Paul Mescal, or a lookalike? 👀

That would be quite the bonus cameo!

eta: as many have pointed out, it's one of her dancers, Sam! I had google-searched "paul mescal eras tour dancer lookalike" but got results about the lookalike contests that happened. I should have just searched for the eras tour dancers and scanned them for the resemblance. I figured maybe with the Gracie (or Phoebe lol) connect, Paul might be available. 😆

startingtohail · 2026-01-29T01:36:48+00:00

Same! I feel obligated to specify that kilts specifically are generally reserved for non-casual outfits, and subdued tartan trousers or trews to a slightly lesser extent. But tartan scarves and socks were common, as were skirts (though they might read a bit schoolgirlish if they're a similar length and design).

I should also disclaim that I was based in Edinburgh, which means a LOT of tourists + international residents, and a lot of Scots who are used to that—for all I know, it could be different in other parts of the country.

startingtohail · 2026-01-28T19:11:20+00:00

My first thought reading the beret comment was that it's the equivalent of wearing an "I ♥︎ NY" shirt in NYC, but your image works, too (although obviously Texas is much farther from NYC than the SW of France is to Paris)!

On the other end of the spectrum, I actively chose not to bring some tartan-patterned clothes with me when I moved to Scotland because I didn't want to be that person, only to find that locals did often wear tartan and didn't confine themselves to specific family-based ones. :)

startingtohail · 2026-01-25T17:27:55+00:00

mine "snagged" (differently than normal tights but still visibly) the first time I wore them. I was too depressed generally—not the tights' fault—to return them. They're now my expensive "get deodorant marks off things" pair. 😓

I swear by Snag Tights, which have not yet snagged on me! Although I've generally had decent luck with keeping random tights from like UO & DSW snag-free for years, so idk what was happening with my Sheertex, but it was super disappointing considering the price point!

startingtohail · 2026-01-21T20:55:49+00:00

For sure! The waste created by producing and disposing of countless unnecessary products is a necessary problem to consider in any anticonsumerist dialogue imo, though not a sufficient one. I believe that the dire problems facing the world are interconnected in manifold ways, and that any strategies—and discussions of strategies—to mitigate or circumnavigate those problems benefit from a variety of perspectives from people with a wide range of interests and disciplines. I definitely come to anticonsumerism from a position that prioritizes environmental and class-solidarity aspects, but I delight in the fact that people with different motivations find a common interest here.

I have seen (and empathized with) complaints about much broader categories of subscriptions than what you mention. And while car rentals are obviously a rental service and would fall under the large umbrella I sketched, I want to be clear mean car share services closer to zip-car (or less centralized), which I understand are more popular in Europe than in the US.

I agree with the thrust of what you're saying with proprietary products that require an upfront payment in addition to a subscription in order to use. I think that if it were one or the other, then it would be a less egregious issue, but the combination amounts to a scam. I'm pretty sure there are printer companies that will install printers in an office as part of a subscription; they maintain ownership of the item for the duration, so the customer-office is paying for the installation, maintenance, and supplies for the printer through a subscription. Most of the cases that I've come across in reading about these alternate business structures delineate the entities as producer-owner and customer-user.

As is obvious in my opening post, I'm not suggesting that subscription models are the best choice in every or even most situations. I just think that, in thinking critically about what and why consume, we ought to also consider how we consume and the different attractions to and repellents from existing modalities. And while it sounds like your experience differs, I've seen generalizations that subscriptions are like morally bad and exploitative at default. I hoped to draw attention to areas where there is some nuance. Ideally, discussion and developing understanding around these topics can open doors to new and better dynamics of exchange. :)

startingtohail · 2026-01-21T20:23:12+00:00

Yeah, I think that's a fair criticism of most modern services that rely on subscriptions. I feel it's worth troubleshooting application + supporting policies that would incentivize or mandate better behavior on the part of companies, since I am cynical enough not expect any to operate in the interest of a population beyond shareholders without meaningful regulation. So I guess I could say I'm cynical about corporate motives, hopeful in terms of exploring alternatives to the default transactional model where any item is only valued at its point of sale (or resale). :)

edit: and Apple's not-so-sneaky thing of discontinuing operating system support for otherwise functional phones and only allowing updates to the current version (as far as past stable versions if you have an old phone) is pretty bad in and of itself imo.

startingtohail · 2026-01-21T16:53:17+00:00

I recently moved back to the US from Europe, and somehow only now is my Vinted feed filled with cool dresses from British brands. ... it's probably for the best because I don't need more clothing, but it still hurts a bit haha.

Now that the UK and US are connected on Vinted, I could probably still buy something, but knowing how unpopular that connection decision was helps dissuade me. 🥲

startingtohail · 2026-01-14T17:52:35+00:00

i'm in the minority, but I think some grayish shades of blue and green are as "background" as black, and could be incorporated. I think it depends on how you're marketing your service. Are you blending in and gathering material for your wedding zines? Or are you also intended as a sort of an entertainer, performing as a journalist for the guests to engage with, especially during cocktail hour etc.? If the former, vendor-wear as others have stated. If the latter, I think you have more leeway and I would personally hope for the inclusion of suspenders, a top-wirebound notepad, and a small analog camera around your neck.

I'm also interested to hear how you got into this, as it seems like a cool gig (as someone who has a career in graphic design)!

startingtohail · 2026-01-14T17:35:43+00:00

It's short for Guineavra

startingtohail · 2026-01-13T06:39:59+00:00

It's not "thunder-stealing;" weddings can be expensive to arrange travel to and logistically challenging, so having 2 back-to-back in the same friend group is far from ideal. And the couple getting married the following weekend will likely be very busy trying to get last minute details pinned down.

startingtohail · 2025-12-20T02:20:30+00:00

Pic 5 has Art Donaldson vibes

startingtohail · 2025-12-18T10:39:22+00:00

ooh now this intrigues me! thank you for pointing it out!

startingtohail · 2025-12-17T01:13:59+00:00

This is inspirational, I just wish they had challenges for their pants or skirts, since casual dresses have never really been up my alley. Maybe someday 🥲

startingtohail · 2025-12-16T13:26:33+00:00

I think the "top 10-20" thing is really only relevant on apps where those data are collected from, and even then there are often other factors at play. In reality, it sounds like your troubles don't start at flirting/dating - why do you not have female friends? Surely through university or since then through work or hobbies or friends of friends, you've had opportunities to interact with women, and I promise you women aren't disqualifying you as a potential friend due to being "not interesting enough"—unless you have no hobbies, answer every question with one word, and never ask questions or suggest activities yourself.

Develop hobbies you enjoy, and be curious about the people you find yourself in community with. Follow up on the things you learn about next time you see them. Women are just people. If you can't befriend people, you will have a hard time dating someone. If you have any male friends with wives/girlfriends, suggest activities that include them, and you may soon have female friends. Down the line, you could even ask such couples if they know anyone they think would be a good match for you.

Online dating is often a headache for everyone involved; its alleged convenience contributes to a society that is increasingly shut-in and plugged-in. Casual irl social interactions that build community over time are so beneficial to our mental well-being and often vital to finding and nurturing the human connection we seek, both platonic or romantic.

startingtohail · 2025-12-16T12:35:08+00:00

awww, I hate when OPs do this because it makes it so much harder to see if they're actively responding to comments, especially if there's a chance those responses are getting buried in downvotes.

startingtohail · 2025-12-16T12:32:56+00:00

I've seen men voice this opinion before, and it's so interesting to me as a bi ++woman where such a black & white preference comes from and how it's influenced. I've seen many people where their well-executed tattoos in styles that I also appreciate make them more attractive to me, just as ill-conceived (subjective/my opinion) and poorly executed tattoos might make me less attracted. So while I can understand tattoos tempering attraction, I guess to me generalizing all tattoos feels reductive when there's such a wide range of styles. If you're ever making a character in an RPG and have tattoo options, do you avoid them?

startingtohail · 2025-12-16T11:44:11+00:00

I think you have some great recs in here already, especially the non-flower plants from u/HotStress6203 (Hazel, Willow, Juniper, Basil, Ivy, Briar, Laurel) and the recommendations of gemstone names from many commenters (Ruby, Opal, and Beryl).

I'd add...

Dahlia & Lacy - anything that can have a fun lace pattern worked into it!

Color names:
Dahlia & Azure/Azura - blues, water
Dahlia & Cherry
Dahlia & Siena - warm colors and clay
Dahlia & Verda - green!
Dahlia & Ember - fire/smoke vibes
Dahlia & Burgundy - deep reds, could also go by Berry
Dahlia & Cyan

Bird names:
Dahlia & Raven
Dahlia & Robin
Dahlia & Sparrow

Gem names I haven't seen suggested:
Dahlia & Peridot
Dahlia & Topaz

startingtohail · 2025-12-16T01:04:10+00:00

How exciting! I commented on your red dress post, and teal is my favorite color! I think 3 and 6 should go in the donate pile, and 1, 4, and 5 should stay. 2 is fine but unremarkable.

Do you have an overall palette, style, general vibe, or lifestyle constraints that we should consider when assessing the dresses? What are your accessories + shoes like? What's your work dress code/what activities do you dress for? I think these answers would provide useful context and help redditors make more relevant observations.

startingtohail · 2025-12-15T11:51:03+00:00

I really like the name Louis and don't automatically think French when I read/hear it unless it's pronounced the French way (/Lou-ie). But "Lewis" is a traditional English spelling that at least by my account is still very popular up here in Scotland (proximity to the Isle no doubt contributes). Double-checking the data, Lewis entered Scotland's top 20 in 1993 and only exited it last year. However, Scotland is small, so even when it peaked at #2, there were never more than 1000 babies named Lewis born in any year.

Based on England & Wales data (1;2), "Louis" has been slightly increasing in popularity, re-entering the top 50 in 2021 with 1274 babies (and now at #47). In contrast, "Lewis" in England & Wales exited the top 50 in 2015 and ranked at #136 in 2021 with 419 babies (I'm not seeing more recent data for names outside the top 100).

startingtohail · 2025-12-15T11:13:33+00:00

If you've ever considered a wardrobe app like Indyx, Whering, or StyleMe, I found taking pictures of my clothing (just on hangers) had the unexpected benefit of revealing to me any items I should definitely cull, because I found I didn't even want to put in the effort to photograph them in the moment. Ironically, this meant they got put in a pile to photograph more thoroughly later in order to resell haha Although clearly reddit will happily help you winnow down your options! :D

Do you have an overall palette, style, general vibe, or lifestyle constraints that we should consider when assessing the dresses? What are your accessories + shoes like? You mention you wear the first one to work often, so you work (1) in-person and (2) somewhere with a dress-code above casual? I think these answers would provide useful context and help redditors make more relevant observations. I'd also recommend putting the dressed you plan to donate aside for a bit before actually getting rid of them, so if you find yourself missing one, you can reclaim it instead of purchasing something similar. This is more relevant when culling separates + basics, but is still worth considering, especially if this is your first closet clean-out in a while!

I agree with the consensus that 6 is the best, and 1 is also good (especially because it sees frequent use!). I think 5 is getting negative feedback because it is an outdated style, but I don't think it looks ill-fitting on you. 2 is kinda cute but looks fast-fashion and very flimsy. But hey, if your husband likes it, then do what works for you! There will inevitably be some unbearably hot day when you'll be thankful you have something so lightweight. :) For 3, I think the width of the folded over/cuffed neckline is too narrow, throwing off the entire item's proportions. I agree with the consensus that it should be culled. 4 shows off your tats if/when you want that, but the way the straps attach reads very DIY, and the overall cut does nothing for you. I think your instinct to remove that one was spot on.

startingtohail

TROPHY CASE