Fave Fives: City SPFs - August 2016

Hi Everyone!

Some city SPFs for you. All my previous SPF videos/blog posts are here:

SPF with Dr Marko Lens Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIxMaRj9z6U

SPF with Dr Marko Lens Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEhRhDt1Pco

SPF Cheat Sheet: http://www.carolinehirons.com/2015/07/spf-cheat-sheet.html

All my SPF posts: http://www.carolinehirons.com/search/label/SPF

Products Discussed:

ZELENS DAILY DEFENCE:
SPF30, no tint.
£55.00/$85.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2beT5lo

USA: http://bit.ly/2be7k8W


RADICAL SKIN PERFECTING SCREEN:
SPF30, tinted.
£38.00/$55.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2beTuEG

USA: http://bit.ly/2aQ5qHN


CLARINS UV PLUS :
SPF50, no tint.
£32.00/$42.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2bpJPaA

USA: http://bit.ly/2aSSeEU (closest to it - SPF rules are different in the US)


CLINIQUE CITY BLOCK SHEER:
SPF25
£18.00/$24.50

UK: http://bit.ly/2beTR21

USA: http://bit.ly/2bpJViA


CLINIQUE SUPER CITY BLOCK:
SPF 40
£18.00/$24.50

UK: http://bit.ly/2bfDduY

USA: http://bit.ly/2bpK9WI


CHANEL UV ESSENTIEL SPF 30:
No tint.
£42.00/$55.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2aSUgou

USA: http://bit.ly/2be9aqa


CHANEL UV ESSENTIEL SPF 50:
No tint.
£42.00/$55.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2bpKVmQ

USA: http://bit.ly/2bsjHjy


LA ROCHE POSAY ANTHELIOS:
SPF30, no tint, although tinted versions are available.
£16.50

Worldwide: http://bit.ly/2bpKZCN


SKINCEUTICALS MINERAL DEFENCE
SPF50, tinted.
£39.00/$34.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2bpL5KJ

USA: http://bit.ly/2bpMn8I  (different in USA)


ARMANI MAESTRO UV SPF50:
No tint.
£40.00/$64.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2beVxbu

USA: http://bit.ly/2beURDb


KATE SOMERVILLE DAILY DEFLECTOR SPF50
No tint.
$48.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2bpLMUm

USA: http://bit.ly/2beVigW



OTHER PLACES TO FIND ME:

Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/carolinehirons

Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/carolinehirons

Pinterest:
http://gb.pinterest.com/carolinehirons/

Snapchat:
@carolinehirons

Bloglovin':
http://bit.ly/1fuzPqQ

Caroline Hirons c/o
Gleam Futures
6th Floor
60 Charlotte Street
London W1T 2NU
caroline@gleamfutures.com  (skincare queries cannot be answered at this address)

I sometimes (not always) use affiliate links. If you are happy to click on the link and support this blog in that way, thank you very much. If you would prefer not to, just google the brand and the item, it's all cool. :) For absolute clarity: I do not use affiliate links on products belonging to brands that I work with on a professional basis.
See my full disclaimer here:
http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq

The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

Fave Fives: Retinols (Vitamin A)

Hi Everyone! 

A much-requested start to the retinol discussion.  I’ll try and answer as many comments as possible but am about to go away for a week so please bear with. ☺

Before you start using retinols make sure you have a good SPF (I mean you should do that anyway, but especially when using retinols and even more so in summer!)

Products Discussed:

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3%:

UK: http://bit.ly/2b1nGAi

USA: http://bit.ly/2blihTy

Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift:

All territories:

http://bit.ly/2baBpYl

Kate Somerville Retasphere Micro Peel:

All territories:

http://bit.ly/2bljxWM

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil:

UK: http://bit.ly/2baCkbg

USA: http://bit.ly/2baCTSr

Pestle & Mortar Superstar:

All territories: http://bit.ly/2b86DLl

Zelens Treatment Drops Vitamin A:

All territories:

http://bit.ly/2aNY7my

Ketrel Cream on Prescription only.

OTHER PLACES TO FIND ME:

The Blog:

http://www.carolinehirons.com

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/carolinehirons

Instagram:

http://www.instagram.com/carolinehirons

Pinterest:

http://gb.pinterest.com/carolinehirons/

Snapchat:

@carolinehirons

Bloglovin':

http://bit.ly/1fuzPqQ

Caroline Hirons c/o

Gleam Futures

6th Floor

60 Charlotte Street

London W1T 2NU

caroline@gleamfutures.com  (skincare queries cannot be answered at this address)

I sometimes (not always) use affiliate links. If you are happy to click on the link and support this blog in that way, thank you very much. If you would prefer not to, just google the brand and the item, it's all cool. :) For absolute clarity: I do not use affiliate links on products belonging to brands that I work with on a professional basis. 

See my full disclaimer here:

http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq

The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

Favourite Facial City SPFs

By the time you read this I will be in Rome putting a few of these to the real test. With average temperatures of 37 degrees C/98 Fahrenheit I am more than a little scared of a melasma explosion and thus spare no expense when it comes to city/face SPFs. They are in the same category as serums for me. Way more important than a moisturiser. It's one of the true investments in your future face.

When I'm thinking 'no nonsense' protection, but I need/want to wear makeup, these are the four products I am never without. In alphabetical order - no favourites. Links in the titles.

Creme de La Mer The Reparative Face Sun Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF30

Obviously this is the luxury option and boy does it feel it. Absorbs beautifully, leaves a comforting 'glow' layer on the skin - softens, hydrates, contains all the usual Le Mer key ingredients including Golden Algae Ferment that is triggered by sun exposure, the sea waters etc etc. 

I literally only use this for holidays where I want my skin to glow and have the option of wearing makeup, like you keep your new or best shoes/handbags for the same reason. I reapply throughout the day no problem. If reapplying over makeup, I stick to CC creams. Particularly Lauder or Kate Somerville, which has the edge because its tints are good colours. £90.00/$130.00 for 50ml (I know I know)

SkinCeuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF50

When I'm feeling oilier/more prone to breakouts this is what I head to. Broad Spectrum, 100% mineral filters, this has a slightly mattifying effect and although it has only one colour tint, that disperses upon application and doesn't cause problems for darker skins (to the best of my knowledge and reader feedback). I love SkinCeuticals products and this is no exception. £35.00 for 50ml.
N.B. - The SkinCeuticals range is different in the USA and appears to be called Physical Fusion and is a shockingly more affordable $34.00. How rude.

Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Moisturiser SPF50+/PA+++

This one is actually my favourite feel. I love the glow and the smell of sunscreen and this has both in abundance. Broad Spectrum SPF50, this is substantial enough to use as a moisturiser without another one underneath - something regular readers will know I very rarely advocate/do.
Contains the same delivery system for the SPF ingredients as the Zelens so they both offer less chance of an allergy or dermal uptake. Genius. Also contains retinyl palmitate and Matrixyl 3000 peptide. Super.
$48.00 for 50ml (approx £31.00 plus import duties)


Zelens Daily Defence Broad Spectrum SPF30

Probably the one that I trust the most, if I had to pick, primarily because I was working with Dr Lens when he was developing this product (I'm not now, we're just mates) and know what dedication went into the formula. 

Broad Spectrum SPF30, this is loaded with all sorts of proven antioxidants including polyphenols and pycnogenol. Most importantly, it contains unique micro-encapsulated filters that prevent direct skin contact with the active ingredients. Great for sensitivity. £55.00/$85.00 for 50ml

All of these are highly, highly recommended.

SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel

Updated 9.07.15*

What is it?

'This breakthrough serum-in-a-gel contains a synergistic antioxidant combination to help protect the delicate eye area from oxidative stress, while targeted actives revive under-eye skin and helps reduce the appearance of puffiness.'

Who is it for?

Literally all skin types and ages, but sit up and pay particular notice if you have issues with your eyes or are 30+ and/or smoke/drink/party. :)

What’s in it?

Aqua / Water / Eau, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Ascorbic Acid, Undecane, Bis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tridecane, Phloretin, Lauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Peg-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta.

What's not in it?

Mineral oil

Parabens

Fragrance

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

Silicones

Alcohol

Natural? Organic? Man-made? Vegan?

Man-made/Vegan

Sold in China/possibly tested on animals?

Unknown. If the brand confirm I will update the post.

What’s good about it?

Lord above this is the best eye cream I have used in years. It's up there with Zelens Triple Action and Tata Harper - both of which are very different products, but ones I use when my eyes are in certain 'states'.

This little powerhouse has an immediate firming and lifting effect and has taken years - years off of my lower eyes in particular. The effect is extremely noticeable (on me), to the point where I now find myself trying to ration it so I don't run out by using my usual heavy-handed dosage. Upon doing my research, I discovered that they recommend using half a pump per eye whereas I've been happily using a full pump, ggrrr.

It contains three antioxidants: 1% Phloretin, 5% Vitamin C and 0.5% Ferulic Acid

to help with all aspects of free radical damage and therefore pretty much all the signs of ageing along with ruscus aculeatus (it's an evergreen plant) and caffeine to counteract dark circles and puffiness.

And it works. 

I am still often asked if we 'really need an eye cream?' because 'it's all just skin Caroline'. Yes, it is all skin, but the skin around the eye is up to 10 times thinner than the fat stuff on your cheeks, meaning if you use a really thick, gloopy, mineral oil eye cream, it doesn't penetrate and swells the surface giving you puffiness ahoy. Even if you disagree with my stance on mineral oil, I would really, really, urge you to avoid it in eye creams.

What’s not so good about it?

The alcohol content is a little confusing for me personally, this is in no way drying or irritating, something that my skin would normally pick up on. I have asked SkinCeuticals to confirm that a: my inci list is correct (this is a reformulation) and to advise why they have used it. If for example, it is to mildly 'strip' (I hate that word but it makes it clear what I mean) back the epidermis to allow the other products to penetrate deeper, something we know that a lot of companies use it for? When I get a reply I will report back.

*UPDATE* - 09.07.2015
SkinCeuticals have replied to my email with: 
'The small amount of alcohol in AOX+ Eye Gel is necessary to solubilise phloretin. The alcohol, however, has a high flash point and quickly flashes off of the skin.'

It's £69.00. Not the cheapest, so if you have no problems with your eyes, still spend on your serum as the priority. If, however, you look in the mirror and think 'Oh gimme a break, look at my eyes!' then check it out.

Having said that, it's recommended for once a day use so will last twice as long as normal.

The other challenge is finding it - SkinCeuticals are not a high street brand - normally sold through clinics/spas etc - details are below.

Where to use in your routine?

Post-tone, pre-serum, in the morning. As it's a preventative/protective eye product they recommend using in the morning and another eye cream in the evening that is more directed at repair.

How do you use it?

Apply a pump to the top of your ring finger, tap onto opposing ring finger, and swipe/pat under both eyes. I take over the brow bone and end up in full circles.

Works well with?

SkinCeuticals Eye Balm

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex

How much is it and where can I find it?

It's currently £70.00 sold as a kit with a Mineral Eye UV Defense SPF30 from www.my-dermacenter.com and other SkinCeuticals stockists.

As an aside, one thing I really like about the SkinCeuticals official websites is that they call out all of their unauthorised resellers: skinceuticals.com/authorize in a way that most brands are too afraid to do. Some of these retailers are known to get their products from old, deleted, stock - in some cases the goods are stolen and in others they are counterfeit. It's well worth having a look as I am asked frequently about some of the ones listed.

Similar products?

Zelens Triple Action

Dennis Gross MD Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream

Exchange rate – does it punish the UK?

Ish. It's $92.00/£69.00.

Sunday Facial Week 1

And another new regular feature.....I don't know why I haven't done this before because I do some sort of multi-stepped mask facial every weekend and even more often if I'm travelling.

After having my huge sort-through/clear out yesterday, I decided to up the ante and get as much of my routines/day-to-day goings-on up here or over on YouTube, including occasional vlogs. I KNOW. Me, vlogging. I hesitated for a long time but I actually get to see/do so much cool stuff that I figured I just needed to GET OVER MYSELF and get on with it.

Today's facial was a 3 step but not of the usual kind. I started with Omorovicza's Deep Cleansing Mask which seems to be 'zingier' than the last pot I had. Maybe it's a change in my skin but this one definitely has more 'oomph' and more tingle.

I tend to apply this all over my face and then add a second layer between the eyebrows (occasionally spotty for me because of my glasses), on the chin and on the cheeks.

I removed with a warm flannel and then I went in with P50 1970 Formula. I haven't used this for over 2 years and have Jordan to thank for bringing me a bottle over from the US when he was in town recently. Over 2 years since I breathed in that phenol whiff! :) I applied this on to cotton wool, took it slowly but surely all over the face, including lips, working top to bottom, then flipped it over and went back up the neck, over the cheeks and finished on the forehead. Numb bliss.

Then it was time for some serious hydration. Jane Scrivner's Ultra Hydration Masque went in a thick layer all around my eyes in a circle, followed by a light layer of SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque - I let that absorb and then went in slightly heavier handed with another layer as below....

Make sure you remember to take the hydrating mask right up and around the orbital eye area and don't forget the lips. I used Charlotte Tilbury's Lip Magic and again applied it fairly thickly.

The redness is to be expected after using P50, that's its job. It subsides fairly quickly, especially once the masks are put on top. 

I let everything soak in for a good 15 minutes, then spritz with a hydrating toner/water, in this case, Institut Esthederm's Eau Cellulaire, and apply more.

After another ten minutes or so you can remove any excess with a warm, damp flannel and apply another hydrating eye cream and moisturiser. You won't need much, your skin should be 'topped up'.

All of these steps can be replicated using whatever products you have that do a similar job, more affordable options - especially for the clay mask step and lip balm for example, will still work well. 

See you next Sunday! (maybe without the close-ups of my face though!) :)

SkinCeuticals Giveaway (GWP)

For the month of June SkinCeuticals are giving away a full size Ultra Facial Defense SPF50 with any purchase of either Phloretin CF or C E Ferulic.

Worth £26.00

Retails at £129.00

Retails at £142.50

Both are best sellers and it's the first time SkinCeuticals have offered a giveaway of any sort. If you've always wanted to try SkinCeuticals but it wasn't affordable this could be a time to dip your toe in the water.

For stockists search here.

 

A few weeks in the life of ....Instagram August and September!

 Bloody hell.

I thought it was just September I missed out. No. Weeks and weeks. Hopefully work will steady out a little (Who am I kidding? Really?) and I can get back to some Clinics and reviews asap!

I am in the last throws of planning a Live Winter Clinic so will have details of that soon. In the meantime... some titbits from the last couple of months...

Westminster Cathedral. Pretty breathtaking.

Harvey Nichols chips. Also breathtaking - for other reasons.

Zelens, La Prairie, Caudalie, Hydraluron and Ms Somerville.

Gigi

A nice working kit!

Puma in Carnaby St gets a couple of extra window dummies.

Broadwick St mural

Carluccio's. *weeps*

Me in a terrifying face mask. You're welcome.

Cleanser I can never remember the name of from pharmacy in Paris, La P, Sjal, Zelens, Hydraluron, Ms Somerville and Caudalie

One of my favourite places

One of my favourite pictures ever - source unknown

Beautiful packaging

A hotel bathroom after my own heart.

Saw at Thorpe Park - or as I called it: CHRIST ON A BIKE

Stealth. Lest said the better.

Me with long legs thanks to a very low sun!

Suti, Zelens, Sjal, La Prairie, Hydraluron and SkinCeuticals SAVED my face after Thorpe Park.

Damien Hirst putting me off my lunch.

Eysilix launch. Not me - for the record.

Trialling this.

Beautiful newness from Balance Me.

And possibly one of my most favourite pictures EVER of my Babygirl - she's perfectly sane. No really.

Current high-end skincare routine (some).

I have a habit of posting my daily skincare regimen on Instagram - the above made my skin feel so lovely I thought it warranted a post of its own.

We had been to Thorpe Park and my skin had that red, windblown, been-thrown-about-on-rides-all-day look about it. Using the above worked wonders, calmed it right down and left it ridiculously soft.

Above is:

Suti Cleansing Balm - reviewed on here before - incredibly emollient, oily and nourishing without clogging pores. £26

Zelens PHA+ Bio-Peel - latest product from Dr Marko Lens - these are brilliant when used in place of your toner and then followed by a spray toner or a splash of water. The PHA attracts moisture and binds it to the skin whilst the acids in the pads set to work on your face like a gentle pac-man. Does all of this without glycolic so are perfect for people who find glycolic too strong or have allergies. Becoming a little obsessed. £65.00

Sjal Saphir Concentrate Facial Oil - I am just about as in love with this oil as it is possible to be with a product. Loaded with omega 3, 6 and 9 and infused with Blue Sapphire and Aquamarine, it is beautiful for any older skin (not 25) that is dull and revitalised. Unlike some cheaper alternatives, it has the lightest texture and penetrates beautifully. £125.00 (I know - but when you're older you stop caring)

La Prairie Advanced Marine Biology Eye Gel - not actually my usual choice of eye cream but have found it is good for my puffiness - I have been working relentlessly recently and waking not entirely 'refreshed' shall we say. This is light and hydrating.

Hydraluron - my new staple - originally reviewed in detail here. Just go buy it.

Sjal Mineral Kalla Tonic - sprayed on top of Hydraluron this is really hydrating and softening - being Sjal it is very high end and contains gold, silver and rose quartz. You can read all about it here - suffice to say it is my 'go-to' toner when my face is feeling its age. 

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interruptor - I have been playing around with some of the Skin Ceuticals range for a while and keep meaning to blog about it - I'll be completely honest - I grabbed this because it's anti-glycation and I had eaten a lot of sugar (rubbish) at Thorpe Park. In my head I was merely trying to save my face from the inevitable spots/swollen red lumps to come as punishment from the pic'n'mix. 

The reality is that it was the perfect product to top off my night-time routine with. It's not loaded with silicone so nothing rolled, it penetrated on top of the Hydraluron and Sjal oil and was generally a lovely cream. I'm going to try using it exclusively for a while and watch the results. So far: lovely. Have a read of the science here. £143.00

* A mixture of purchases, PR samples and gifts. Love them all though.

April in the life of the blog.

(Yes I know its late) 

Behind the scenes of the What's in My Handbag? shoot.

Max's first time at Meat Liquor.

My lily addiction is out of control.

Dude.

One of my gorgeous nieces.

Max totally busted.

My kind of store. (No offence intended to the Irish. Including my own family. Obviously)

Enough said.

Loved this. As you can see.

About bloody time.

The other two ladies of the house.

Glad they're back on UK soil.

Quick visit to Monaco.

Loving this brand.

Got these out. Then put them away.

SO amazing.

Used a LOT.

At-home facial.

Great windows. Shame the clothes come in two sizes: foetus and five year old.

Anndddd Flannelgate in the Daily Mail. Amusing stuff.