Will Sunday Riley solve all your problems?

I think everyone who has any interest in skincare is very familiar with Sunday Riley by now. The brand is used by celebrities and bloggers who rave about the amazing results that these products provide. They are definitely splurge products and not something you just decide to pick up without furiously researching for a couple of weeks, like I did. Let's say I had high hopes and was ready for a luxurious skincare routine. 

The scents aren't necessarily putrid but they are memorable and distinct. The Luna Oil smells like warm licorice candies to me, which during the night can be soothing. It takes some time to get used to and when I used it on the first night I could still smell it 4 hours after applying it. It leaves a blue tint on the face but who really cares when you're about to go to bed anyway? The Good Genes treatment smells like I'm applying Lemon Pledge onto my face, it doesn't linger but doesn't make the process very pampering. It absorbed extremely quickly and I didn't even need a moisturizer afterwards it was that hydrating. You can use both together with the Good Genes underneath the Luna Oil, to get "amazing result". But if you're using the Good Genes with a different oil the good genes should go on top to maximize absorbency.  

My final thought is that they're nice, nothing more. They made my face feel incredibly soft and glowing, like all retinols and AHA's (lactic and glycolic acids) do. But for the price I expect visible results I can't get from treatments that are half the price. The Ren Glycolic Acid mask has been my HG for 4 years now and it gave me the same if not better results. Plus there is still some doubt about the retinol that the Luna Oil treatment uses. The trusty Paula's Choice Beautypedia states that the Luna Oil uses trans-retinol ester, which has a slightly different chemical makeup than traditional retinol. It's basically a lighter version, which won't provide the quick results that traditional retinols promise. I didn't see the Luna Oil do anything that traditional oils can't, but I've only been using it for a couple weeks. I have to say it does look pretty in the jar. 

Currently I'm simply including these products every other day into my daily routine in hopes of extending the time I get to use them since they weren't cheap! Even using the Good Genes maybe 4-6 times I have already used up a good portion and don't see the treatment lasting longer than 2 months, for $105 that makes me cringe a bit. 

Weekly Thoughts May 31st

No matter the day, it always takes me hours of persuasion to get to the gym. Even though afterwards I tell myself this is the best I've ever felt. It kind of sucks but I think my current apartment simply makes me feel unmotivated and gloomy with how little sunlight I get. I am used to waking up with the sun shinning at me at 6 am. Yet here there is 30 minutes, at most, of bright sunlight and then its a gray dreary light. I've been making myself go on these walks down the lake path too keep myself from going crazy. There is simply something soothing being surrounded by active people on a nice sunny day. I draw a lot of energy from these people but at the same time I reach a point where I have to be by myself.

I took Friday for myself and did everything that I wanted to and not simply needed. Sitting by the lake and doing some reading for my study abroad class I met some awesome painters. I guess I chose the best view because they spent a couple minutes walking around me and trying to see where they could settle down too. We talked about painting and the types of mediums they were using. We ended up joking and having a good time. It's funny how when you're not expecting to meet anyone you meet the best people. Sitting in the sun for a good 4 hours helped motivate me to get through the next week before I fly off to Ireland! Even though I love the city, I feel a constant draw to nature and the serenity that it brings.

Beauty from Within.

Makeup is not going to do you any good when beneath the layers of moisturizer, primer, foundation, powder, blush, bronzer, and highlighter is just unhealthy, dehydrated, and acne ridden skin. 3 years ago I would have laughed if you told me that all of those layers of product didn't make me look better than I did without them. But really, maybe all of those layers are what is causing the trouble. I'm not saying that you have to stop wearing all your makeup but maybe let your skin breathe.

I've been through the whole program with hating my skin, like most girls. I have tried all of the marketed acne systems, been to the dermatologist for numerous years, and used any type of remedy that I could get my hands on. Nothing worked no matter how diligent I was. The funny thing is that my skin is at it's best with no prescription antibiotics or 3 step systems. What changed my life is minimalism when it comes to daily makeup and rebuilding my body from within. I no longer slap on concealer to hide blemishes because...well.. I don't have them. The less skin problems I have, the less I find myself reaching for tens of products. Layering, unlike with clothes, doesn't really work with makeup.

What works

1. Drink tons of water. At first you're going to pee every 10 minutes but then your body adjusts and you go every 15..kidding. Water has been magical for my skin and myself in general. When people first give up sugary drinks for water they absolutely hate the taste. But then as you drink more and more you start to crave it. I haven't had a soda in over a year and I can't say that I have had any cravings. If you still think water is bland, infuse it, add lemon, berries, mint, or orange slices. With water you are cleansing your internal organs and helping your body function optimally. Dehydrated skin is not a good look.
2. This might seem repetitive but every morning start with a cup of warm water and half a lemon. If the water is hot or boiling it simply negates every potential benefit the lemon had. This helps jump start your whole body and the tangy taste will help wake you up. You can also sweeten it with a teaspoon of honey. The acidity from the lemon will help balance the ph of your body and promote healthier skin and keep you glowing. 
3. When your skin is giving you a hard time start from scratch. When I had really bad skin I thought the more products I add on the better all of those things would work together. Wrong. When your skin starts acting up start simple and let it breathe don't suffocate it with tons of chemicals. If you want, play it by ear and slowly add whatever you prefer....I recommend keeping it to a minimum.
4. Try to stay as natural as possible. Instead of a toner with tons of drying alcohols and irritating fragrances add a couple drops of tea tree oil on a cotton pad. I love the refreshing feeling and it keeps my oily skin in balance. 
5. Maybe you don't need to wash your face twice a day. There was a point in my life where I was washing my face 3 times a day and stripping it of all the essential oils to keep it moisturized and healthy. Wash your face at night and in the mornings let the shower water rinse of what is left or use a micellar solution to refresh. 
6. SPF SPF SPF. And no your foundation or powder does not have the proper spf. Sunscreen is that million dollar youth serum everyone is searching for. Start wearing SPF daily at a young age and when you're 50 find this post and thank me. 
7. Do not touch your face. It hard to do. Even I can't master it. But your hands are gross and they touch hundreds of bacteria ridden surfaces a day. Then you go on to prop your chin against your hand and there come those tiny bumps you hate. Don't touch just look.