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.

Sunday Riley Giveaway Winner

The winner of the Sunday Riley prize is....*drumroll*

..........LAURA W.

I have already emailed the winner so if you are called Laura W, check your inbox. If you haven't received an email but you are called Laura, over 5000 people entered the giveaway, it's highly possible there are more than one of you. Sorry!

Thank you to everyone who entered. 

Sunday Riley Winter Rose Giveaway

Ah Winter. Don't you just love it? No? Me neither.

Once Christmas is over I'm ready for the daffodils, hyacinths and frankly, longer daylight hours. The cold weather doesn't just affect our mood, it obviously affects our skin. 

Well, suffer no longer dear reader.

Sunday Riley have put together the perfect care package for those of us trudging through the dehydrating, drying-out, wrinkle-promoting colder weeks ahead.

The giveaway is split into two baskets - because it's too big for one - and contains the following:

First Basket - pictured above

Flash Facial: Ceramic Slip and Good Genes - two Hero products that should be in everyone's kit.

Start Over - the eye cream that should be twice the price because it packs twice the punch of its competition and is twice the size in ml.....

Artemis - a must-have for those of you with combination skin or skin that just flares up with angry spots occasionally.

Bionic - the intensely-packed-with-anti-ageing-ingredients moisturiser that does what it says on the bottle.

Cashmere SPF 30+ - one of the best SPFs on the market. Hydrating enough to protect in the winter months too.... *winks at the skiers*

Honest Blush - all too often over-looked by the skincare, Sunday's makeup is beautiful, soft and this colour is perfect for all skin tones.

Antique Honey Gloss - a beautiful, hydrating, conditioning, antioxidant slick of colour 

INHABIT Jacquard Cocoon Coat in Cigar (colour) wrap yourself up warmly in this beautiful, timeless, coat - perfect for outside or in front of a fire.

and.....Luna.

Unless you got your hands on one of these via a friend in the US when it launched at the end of January, there are currently only 3 of these in the UK. I have one of them. There will soon be 4. And it could be yours. 

Second Basket contains

Laurent-Perrier Rose and Roccoco Truffes Roses au Marc de Champagne because why not??! 

Isis - an exquisite, anti-wrinkle oil perfect for protecting the skin in the winter climate, or restoring radiance and glow all year round.

A massive Thank You to the team at Sunday Riley for making this giveaway possible. Good Luck everyone!

The Total Retail Value of this giveaway is £2,650. 

To enter:

Sign up to Sunday Riley's website via this link and enter via the Rafflecopter link below.

All T&C's are listed on the Rafflecopter widget but are:
GIVEAWAY OPEN TO UK READERS ONLY.
ONE PRIZE WILL BE GIVEN TO ONE WINNER.
EMAIL ADDRESS OF THE WINNER WILL BE CHECKED AGAINST SUNDAY RILEY'S DATABASE TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE TO TERMS.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This is not a sponsored post. I have received no payment or incentive to hold this giveaway from the brand. Sunday Riley are not one of my clients.
No affiliate links. They are for information only.

Sunday Riley Good Genes

What is it?

'A brightening, multitasking, radiance treatment and mask.'

'Naturally brightens and improves radiance, texture and circulation.'

It's an AHA exfoliant.

Who is it for?

Ideally for someone concerned with the texture of their skin or pigmentation and scarring issues.

What’s in it?

Agave Tequilana (Blue Agave) Leaf, Cypripedium Pebescens (Orchid), Opuntial Tuna (Prickly Pear) Fruit, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract & Saccaromyces Cerevisiae (Yeast), Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract, Lactic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Coconut Oil), Butylene Glycol, Squalene, Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Stearic Acid Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) extract , PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-75 Meadowsol, Lemongrass Extract, Arnica Extract, Triethanolamine, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Steareth-20, DMDM Hydantoin

What's not in it?

parabens

mineral oil

sulfates

phthalates

shea butter

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

40% lactic acid so no good for really sensitive skins

PEGs

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

Man made/natural/vegan

Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?

No/No

How does it smell?

Fresh, citrus-y

How does it feel on the skin?/Absorption rate?

Like a lotion, absorbs easily

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?

Daily as a serum or when required as a treatment mask. I would suggest using it in the evenings under an oil or a moisturiser. And yes you can use it after exfoliating acid toners. Maybe not P50, but certainly the milder ones.

I've seen a few reviews recently of people from people that are using it AM and PM as a serum. Personally, I think that's overkill and you may be opening yourself up to milia and broken capillaries. I'd keep an eye on your skin to ensure it isn't over-exfoliated. And make sure you are adding moisturiser/oils afterwards. 

How long before you should see results?

If you are new to acids you will see results in a day or two. If your skin is acclimatised to acids it may take a few more days, but it generally works quickly.

How long did I test it for?

A few months

How much is it? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?

£85.00 for 30ml - hard to say but it should last around 2 months if using a few evenings a week (from my experience). 

What’s good about it?

Good Genes gets all the praise because the effect is almost immediate. It contains 40% unneutralised lactic acid which gives it a very low PH. As lactic acid works on the surface of the skin - more topical than its counterparts, the irritation risk is less than with other acids such as glycolic and salicylic. 

I prefer to use it in the evenings simply because it is so effective at resurfacing that I find my makeup can have a tendency to go patchy if I use it during the day. 

It is purposely used in a soothing, calming base to counteract any potential irritation from the strength of the lactic acid, and this seems to work well.

What’s not so good about it?

The high % of lactic acid could be too much for some skins. 

Works well with?

You can mix it with Sunday's Ceramic Slip cleanser for a 'Flash Facial'. Sunday Riley recommend using this over Luna, but I have always done it the other way around. Good Genes first, then Luna. 

What’s the website like?

It's being revamped as of 25.03.16 and thus unavailable.

Similar products?

Obagi ExfoDerm Forte

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Night Serum

Cosmedix Purity Clean

Sunday Riley Good Genes is £85.00 from CultBeauty.co.uk and $105.00 from Sephora.com

Not a sponsored post, links may be affiliates.

What's New this month?

Hi Everyone!

Back in the land of the living albeit looking roughhhhh. It's a long one - but if you are borderline/full-on obsessive about all things beauty you may make it to the end.

Enjoy!

A full list of the products discussed are in the video description box.

Sunday Riley Luna - World Exclusive

What is it?

'Next generation retinoid oil reduces pore size, improves appearance of damaged skin, and helps fight wrinkles.' 

Aka a nighttime vitamin A treatment oil.

Who is it for?

Anyone looking to address the visible signs of ageing.

What's in it?

Persea Gratissima (Extra Virgin, Cold Pressed Avocado) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Organic, Cold Pressed Concord Grape) Seed Oil, Rubus Fruticosus (Cold Pressed Blackberry) Seed Oil, Salvia Hispanica (Cold Pressed Chia) Oil, Dimethyl Isosorbide (and) Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Chamomila Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil, Tanacetum annuum (Blue Tansy) oil, Anthemis nobilis (English Chamomile) oil, Eriocephalus punctualatus (Cape Chamomile) oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Neroli) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Blood Orange) oil, Cananga Odorata Flower (Ylang Ylang) Oil, Vetivera zizanoides (Vetiver) oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (and) Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, CI 61565 (Green 6), CI 60725 (Violet 2).

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

Dimethyl Isosorbide - a solvent

Essential oils - 7 of them. 8 if you include the Blue Tansy, of which the allergen content has not been listed on the packaging as per EU regulations)

Dyes - I 61565 (Green 6), CI 60725 (Violet 2)

Natural? Organic? Man-made? Vegan?

Man-made. Despite the preferred PR story, this product should not claim to be 'natural', even more so, 'organic'. 

Dimethyl Isosorbide is a synthetic solvent. It works brilliantly as a solvent, but it's not organic. And CI 61565 (Green 6), CI 60725 (Violet 2) are synthetic colours.

Tested on animals/sold in China?

No/No

What's not in it?

Water

Parabens

Mineral oil

How do you use it?

Apply a couple of drops in the evening after cleansing and toning and massage in.

What’s good about it?

For people looking to get into a vitamin A product this is a good place to start. Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate is the trans-retinol ester of all retinoic acid. A cousin, if you will, as opposed to a sibling. It can be used at higher %s without causing significant irritation. The large amount of carrier oils make it a gentler option than some over the counter retinoids. 

Vitamin A is the best anti-ageing ingredient on the market, proven and accepted by the FDA. For more info on vitamin A you can read this cheat sheet. Blue Tansy Oil is a welcome addition and is soothing and calming, with known anti-inflammatory properties.

What’s not so good about it?
Although the Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate is undoubtedly a great anti-ageing ingredient, this contains a large amount of carrier oils that whilst being suitably calming, are also among the most inexpensive of the plant oils available. Expense has been spared along the line, despite the high price tag.
Luna also contains seven - 7 - essential oils. Considering this is a product designed by its very nature to cause irritation to the skin, including that many essential oils in the formula is ill-advised. Paula Begoun will have a coronary. 
Clearly the numerous previous complaints about the smell of Juno and Artemis have been taken to heart - maybe to an extreme? 
And although the 'Blue Tansy Oil' is a great name, the blue colouring is synthetic, not floral.

Similar products?

SkinCeuticals Retinols in 0.3/0.5/1%

Paula's Choice 1% Retinol
Both fragrance free and in tube dispensers.

Exchange rate – does it punish the UK?

Inevitably. It's $105.00 (about £65.00 equivalent) and £85.00 in the UK, so yes.

Available from Sephora.com and CultBeauty.com

New appearance date - Belfast!

Courtesy Sunday Riley

So next Monday - 12th - I am popping over to Belfast City Centre to help launch Sunday Riley into the Donegal Square Space NK store. It's been a while since I was in Belfast and I'm very excited to see old and new faces.
I should be on the shop floor from around 1pm - 6pm so please do come and see me!
There are no appointment times and no need to book, as with Dublin *waves* it's a first come, first serve basis. I shall probably go hoarse but that's what copious amounts of tea are for! :)

I'll be doing skin consultations (not facials - although I have been known to extract blackheads on the shop floor - eewww) and Sunday Riley are providing a little something extra when you spend £50 or more on the day* and there will be booze champagne aplenty.

Please do come and say hello. See you there!

*Gift is available when you spend £50 or over on Sunday Riley products only.

Day 7 - Sunday Riley

So Day 7 starts off with Sunday Riley. And now we're really kicking it in to gear... 

This amazing giveaway consists of some brilliant hero products such as...

The infamous Ceramic Slip....

Good Genes - the stuff that smooth skins are made of....

Bionic Anti-Aging Cream - the perfect moisturiser for this weather.....

AND:

A year's supply of the backbone of the Sunday Riley range:

Artemis, Juno and Isis

Feeling a little dull in the Autumn? Juno will fix it. A little too oily in the Summer? Artemis is your man (woman). Looking a little more tired than you would like? Isis (the Goddess synonymous with roses - literally) will take years off of you.

All 3 oils will be given to the lucky winner.

Enter via the Rafflecopter below.

Good luck! And a massive thank you to Sunday and the team in Texas for their generosity. More info on Sunday Riley can be found here: www.sundayriley.com and my previous posts on the brand can be found here: www.carolinehirons.com/sundayriley 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

P.S. - Stay tuned for some rather big 'Stocking Fillers' dropping in randomly right up until Christmas Eve.

Empties November 2014

Videos are back! Thank you for waiting. Been a tad busy but hopefully back on some sort of pattern now.

This is an empties video and the products featured are:

Jonathan Styling Creme - this has been on my channel before and is just gorgeous. Creamy, smelly (in the best way) and the perfect grooming/bun cream. 

$24.00 from jonathanproduct.com

pixi Flawless Beauty Primer - this has been on the blog before (here) and is my most-grabbed primer. Glowing, healthy, skin in a pump. Available on pixibeauty.com

(I Am) A Sex Goddess by Neotantric Fragrances - I swear they named this just for that moment when you are asked what you are wearing. Peach, pink pepper, tuberose, vanilla - made for me basically.
It has disappeared from everywhere in the UK except Amazon here.

Kate Somerville Nourish - again a blog and vlog repeat. Easily in my Top 5 favourite moisturisers of all time. Good for all skin types. Available on katesomerville.com

Sunday Riley Start Over - No surprises here - you've seen this before (repeatedly) on the blog. Suitable for all skin types and all eyes. Available on SundayRiley.com 

BioEffect EGF Eye Serum - Previously discussed on here as a major concern, I am currently converted. In short, the BioEffect EGF is plant-based - copied from human DNA not cloned directly from human cells like other EGFs.  Available on bioeffect.co.uk

Backstage at Stella McCartney with Sunday Riley

This post was updated 13.10.14: see below

I promise I'm not strangling that poor girl.

 I was lucky enough to work the Stella McCartney shows again this season, both the Green Carpet Challenge with Livia Firth in London and Stella's SS15 show in Paris last week. They are always a highlight of the year and Stella's team are a joy to work with.
This is personally my 3rd season and it was busier than ever last week. We had models queuing for a morning massage. Queuing! You know when you have those moments of 'I'm so unbelievably grateful that this is my job'? I had those all morning. What a dream.

The old adage of models not taking care of their skin is so not the case anymore. These girls know their faces are their fortune and their skin showed it. The odd blemish aside, it was mainly a case of giving them a little brightening, a little massage and a glow. This was week 4 of fashion week for most of these girls and dehydration was the only sign that they have worked - in most cases - non-stop and been on flights continuously for more than a month.

I am always asked for the routine used. Last week the brief from Pat McGrath was soft, glowing skin and to achieve that I:

• cleansed with Ceramic Slip (sometimes mixed with Good Genes and used as a mask depending on the model's skin)
• removed with damp cotton pads (moistened with mineral water, not tap)
• massage with either Juno or Artemis oils - again depending on the skin type and concern - using a small amount of product is key. Too much oil means slip not grip and a greasy catwalk makeup. Not good.
• apply Start Over eye cream 
• apply a small amount of Bionic moisturiser to give the perfect makeup base for the team

Most of the girls had a power nap during the massage. I avoided too much lymph drainage - by week 4 of fashion week your immune system is on high alert and under considerable strain, if I was to really work the lymph they could have come down with colds/got sniffly and no-one would thank me for that with days of shows left.

I mainly worked the temples/forehead and cheeks, relaxing the face and giving a glow.

Dani with her gorgeous face that I frankly just wanted to squeeze. Look at that skin.

 The finished faces.

As per your requests in the comments see below my untouched photographs from some of the shows. The only thing being touched up in any of these is my bosom. :)

Gorgeous gorgeous Dani.

For more information on Sunday Riley www.sundayriley.com

All photography courtesy of Sunday Riley. Huge thanks to the team at Stella McCartney.

Sunday Instagram Catch-up

I know a lot of you don't use Instagram so I thought a catch-up would be good. I spend more time over on Instagam than I do any other form of social media. I love photography and there are SO many brilliant, inspirational accounts to follow. You really should check it out.

However, thinking primarily of my Mum, who doesn't do social media in any way, shape or form, here is what I've been up to...  :)

Stella McCartney's Green Carpet Challenge - blog post coming

Pummeling faces. Lovely.

Pretty standard day in the life of.....

Had an appt with Dr Barbara Sturm at the Dorchester to discuss her skincare line.

Tacos anyone?

Recoup and relax with these.....

Spoke at the M&S Beauty Conference. God help them.

Received some lovely personalised goodies from Soap & Glory

And Lush - this cracked me up.

Tatcha's beautiful travel kit arrived just in time for Paris Fashion Week

Celebrated Sali's book launch.

Celebrated Zoe's new beauty line with Ruth and the gang.

Photobombed literally every photo taken on the evening including this one of Zoe and Tyler. *wears flats in future*

And bumped into Nicky - a friend I have known for 29 years and literally never see. JOY.

Have a great week everyone.