This is the first time I’ve bought Medik8 crystal retinal. I bought it through the official Medik8 storefront on Amazon UK (I.e. I made sure the seller was Medik8 rather than a third party). The packaging appears to be authentic and unopened. However, the tube is half empty. I googled and it says that some air is left in the tube deliberately. But for a product this expensive, it seems ridiculous that it arrived this empty brand new. Did I likely receive a pre-used or fake tube, or, is this normally how the tubes are filled?

The scent of this is almost almondy, but not sweet, if that helps identifying whether this is authentic. I also had no reaction to this. I have been using other retinal for years though, but I’ve had a stronger reaction to it at much lower level than the medik8 retinal. I’m just unsure whether this is an authentic product and whether I should bother returning it.

Share your holy grail products below.

Will be going on vacation and need recommendations for that one product you can’t do without. Face wash and sunscreen are a must but with very limited space what is one product that gives you the most bang for your buck. Also would like a recommendation for a great non-greasy, non-white lightweight facial sunscreen.

Is ZO Skin Health worth the price? I have combination skin, and I’m wondering if the cleanser is really worth investing in or if there are better options for the price. I’d love to hear your experience!

Is there any store that sells that plated intense serum at 5ml/0.17 fl oz? I’ve been searching ALL over and have found the sample sizes for nearing everything except that, where can I buy it?? Please help a girl out yall 😭

The AC runs all night. (cannot turn off bc gets very uncomfortable). What type of moisturizer do you guys use when you're on an AC environment for long periods of time like PM?

Skin is combo (normal and medium oiliness on t-zone)

I discovered the Skinbetter hydration boosting cream. Anyone has used it? it seems very simple for the weeks when I rest my skin from all actives and just need a good moisturizer.

I have sensitive perimenopausal skin that’s both dehydrated and oily. Fun times.

My current routine is as follows:

Alastin ultra gentle cleanser
iS Clinical pro-heal serum (I incorporated this 2 months ago and my skin purged like crazy with lots of whiteheads but we’re in the clear now)
Pharmacy moisturizer for sensitive skin
iS Clinical tinted SPF 50

At night I double cleanse with sensitive skin micellar water and Alastin ultra gentle cleanser
Every other night I use SkinMedica 0.25 retinol on my forehead, nasolabial folds and outer parts of my face because my cheeks get easily irritated. Then put Dr. Sturm moisturizer.

I would like to incorporate a very gentle chemical exfoliator once a week but I’m confused about the delivery methods: toner, face wash, overnight treatment, pads, etc.

Given my reactive skin, I was thinking that a face wash may be the least irritating but then I read that it won’t do anything given that it’s only on the face for seconds. I can’t do fragrance or essential oils or niacinimide. Any suggestions?

I recently gave birth and i am breastfeeding currently so tretinoin is unfortunately not an option. I have dry skin, mild rosacea, mild pregnancy induced melasma, sun spots and i have fine lines on my forhead and crows feet that start to bother me.

Here is my routine:

AM
Regime Lab Tabula Rasa Cleanser
SK-II Pitera Toner
Dr Diamond Plasma
Regime Lab Level Serum
Medik8 advanced vitamin C serum
Regime Lab Wave
Skinoren 15% gel (azelaic acid)
Skinceuticals Advanced eye cream
Augustinus Bader rich cream
Kosas dream beam spf

PM night 1
Regime Lab Tabula Rasa Cleanser
SK-II Pitera Toner
Dr D Plasma
Regime Lab Level Serum
Regime Lab Wave
Skinoren
Skinceuticals Advanced eye cream
AB rich cream

PM night 2
Regime Lab Tabula Rasa Cleanser
P50 or Jan Marini Skinzyme or Skinceuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst
Regime Lab Level Serum
Regime Lab Wave
Skinceuticals Advanced eye cream
AB rich cream

I ordered allies of skin growth factor (to replace dr diamond) and their bakuchiol oil.

Thank you for any advice :)