Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil

Not too long ago, Sephora offered a five-use sample of Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil ($105) for selection in a customer's three free samples. I was intrigued, but I saw that it contained "the next generation retinoid oil." That concerned me, given the terrible reactions I've had to retinol in the past. My dermatologist advised me to avoid it - forever.

Then, a couple of years ago, Le Métier de Beauté introduced retinol-based products that incorporated a unique, patented form of retinol encased in vitamin E to deliver the retinol into the skin and past my ultra-sensitive outer layer of skin. I could use them! It was a first. I figured that if they could do it, perhaps another company could too. Besides, my trial was free. I knew that I could withstand a day of redness if the first night went poorly.

Marketed as a next-generation retinoid oil that improves the skin's plumpness and helps fight the appearance of wrinkles, redness, and pores for visibly clearer, younger-looking skin, Luna certainly had appeal. Luna works throughout the night to deliver more visibly youthful, luminous, even-toned skin in the morning. "A trans-retinoic acid ester complex reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles, while visibly improving the signs of premature aging: fine lines, uneven texture, age spots, dryness, and dullness."

The oil contains a complex high in azulene (blue tansy, German chamomile, and cape chamomile) helps to lower the irritation associated with retinol to leave the skin calm and soothed. Cold-pressed avocado, chia (source of Omega 3), and concord grape seed oils sink in deeply for quick absorption of actives while boosting radiance. It's rich in vitamins B, C, D, E, and A and has a high sterolin content. Advanced trans-retinoid acid ester mixed with potent botanicals produce the ultimate transformative sleeping night oil. It's true!

There is a warning on the box that the first use or two may produce redness and peeling for a few days. It's temporary. I was the perfect candidate for those side effects, and I experienced nothing except mild redness on the third day of use. I skipped a night, and my face returned to normal - only better.

The effects of the ingredients?

• Helps fight the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity
• Focuses on damage caused by the sun, time, pollution, lifestyle, and stress
• Helps address the effects of skin damage with strong anti-inflammatory properties and helpful with eczema and dermatitis
• Great for plumping fine lines
• Believed to encourage a healthy inflammatory response and support the skin's ability to regulate sebum

Here are Sunday Riley's test results. I do not know their sample size.
After an independent consumer testing panel used Luna Sleeping Night Oil for four weeks...

• 100% felt the product absorbed well into the skin
• 96% of women felt their skin looked brighter and more radiant 
• 96% of women felt their skin looked healthier and revitalized
• 92% of women felt their skin tone looked more even, calmer, smoother
• 92% would recommend Luna to a family member or friend
• 88% felt their pores looked smaller
• 85% felt their fine lines and wrinkles around the forehead were visibly improved

What did I experience? In only a few days, my skin was smoother; my small pores were even smaller; and I could swear my sun spots were lighter. My skin tone was even. I looked younger. Seriously!

Needless to say, I spent the $105 and bought Luna. It is a little tricky to use. I learned from the sample pack that you apply only a few drops each evening. It's hard for me to apply only a few drops. My skin is so dry, it slurps the oil before I can get it spread evenly over my entire face. So I probably use more than Sunday Riley intended. Given the fabulous effects, I can live with that.

I apply my moisturizer over it before bed. You don't have to. I've tried it both ways, with and without moisturizer, and I've found my skin to be equally improved.

I highly recommend Luna. From my perspective, it's a revolutionary product. Have you tried it yet? It's available at Sephora. By the way, it's cruelty-free and free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalate.

Photo courtesy of Sephora