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

TATCHA Gold Camellia Beauty Oil

TATCHA's relatively new Gold Camellia Beauty Oil ($125) is, like the rest of TACHA's skin care, a wondrous product. A light and rich beauty oil for face, hair, and body, the camellia oil is infused with licorice extract that gently calms the skin, and young bamboo and green tea fragrances that offer a momentary transport to the Kyoto countryside. TATCHA gave me the opportunity to try this oil, and I've made quite a dent in the 50 ml container.

The benefits of the precious camellia were first discovered thousands of years ago by Japan’s Oshima Island farm girls, who applied the flower’s extract to their skin and hair. The Ama (Japanese female free divers) evolved this ancient beauty secret, coating their bodies with camellia oil to protect their skin during frigid ocean dives. Centuries later, geisha began applying nutrient-rich camellia oil after bathing, a luxurious addition to their daily beauty rituals.

Rich in essential antioxidants and moisturizers that deeply nourish and protect skin, the TATCHA Gold Collection harnesses the timeless gifts of the camellia. Flecks of 24-karat gold add a touch of opulence, celebrating the geisha’s timeless practice of elevating the everyday to exquisite. The result is a sumptuous collection that marries old world wisdom with modern sensuality.

Camellia oil and squalane nourish the skin and seal in moisture, while the 24-karat gold flakes give the skin a sensual glow. I love oils, used a moisturizers or cleansers, and this is the most non-oily oil I've tried. It comes with a dropper so that you can dispense just the right amount into your palm before applying it. When I apply it to my face and neck, patting it in, it's absorbed immediately. I never feel oily after application, and that's not the case with all the oils I use. I don't feel oily after applying TATCHA's Camellia Beauty Oil. It feels like I've applied a fabulous moisturizer, and my skin feels and looks moist and hydrated for about eight hours afterwards. I'm using it at night, but I could easily use it during the day to replace my serums. I love the way it smells as I drift off to sleep. The divine fragrance is comforting because it's got a slightly herbal or subtle medicinal scent to it. It leaves my psyche thinking I've done something good for myself.

I think the reason that it's a great product for all skin types is its quick absorption. You won't feel oily after you apply it. The only think you'll notice is how supple and hydrated your skin looks and feels. I've become quite a TATCHA fan in the last year, and the Camellia Beauty Oil has cemented our "relationship."

One reviewer at TATCHA's Web site called it "heaven in a bottle." That aptly sums up TATCHA's beautiful Gold Camellia Oil. You can find it at TATCHA's Web site and Barneys New York - only the best.

Photo courtesy of TATCHA

L.A. Christine N° 3 Berry Face Oil Treatment

Yesterday, Neiman Marcus tweeted that many of the brands they carry are introducing new face oils for the fall. That should surprise no one because face oils have been growing in popularity for years. Apparently, they have reached that critical threshold at which they are now the "next best thing."

I have been testing a new-to-me oil from L.A. Christine, N° 3 Berry Face Oil Treatment ($78), thanks to an opportunity to try it, offered by one of my favorite beauty industry experts who is working with founder Lea A.C. Fulton, She asked me to give it a try. I have, and I'm impressed. There's more about the company below. For now, let's talk about oil.

Oil? On your face? Absolutely. From dry flakiness to stubborn rosacea, face oils are often the cure for what ails your skin. For years, we wouldn’t touch any skin care that didn’t have the term "oil-free" plastered all over it. As we’ve gotten older (and wiser), we’ve learned that oil is not evil. In fact, it’s actually a skin savior. Not only are face oils a cure for dry skin, they’re also incredibly effective at treating a wide range of complexion issues, everything from hyperpigmentation to acne. If you want to know what oils might be best for you, check out this link at L.A. Christine's Web site.

Created from nature’s best, N° 3 Berry Face Oil is a paraben-free, natural face oil that's enriched with a cocktail of potent antioxidants and vitamins. A drop or two goes a long way in enhancing the skin’s elasticity and giving it a youthful glow by keeping it hydrated all day or all night long. Compared to creams, many of which are wax-based and sit on the surface of the skin, this therapeutic oil works with the natural oils in skin, deeply penetrating to nourish and soothe. This oil will smoothe your fine lines, wrinkles (let's call them what they are), and stretch marks, and it can help with smooth makeup application if you don't apply too much. It's intended to be used in all weather conditions by all skin types (normal, oily, dry). Even better, it's multipurpose and can be used on the hands, feet, body, even as a hair conditioner - if you are feeling indulgent. The company does no animal testing.

There are three key ingredients in N° 3 Berry Face Oil. They make a delicious cocktail for the skin.

• Scandinavian Lingonberry, which is one of the most unique berries in the world. Indigenous to the Scandinavian region, it cannot be farmed or cultivated. It offers highly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities with plentiful organic acids, vitamin C, provitamin A (as beta carotene), B vitamins, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Dr. Oz calls the lingonberry “The New Superfruit.”
• Brazilian Açai Berry is a warm-climate berry harvested from palm trees in South America. It's infused with omega fatty acids, concentrated vitamins, and minerals, all offering anti-inflammatory and immune booster properties. Anti-aging benefits help to make our cell membranes more supple.
• The third berry is raspberry, a fruit brimming with vitamins and minerals that dramatically enhance the skin’s elasticity, reduce age spots, and shield the skin from the damaging effects of the sun. High in vitamin C and manganese, raspberries contain healthy levels of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3), folic acid, magnesium, copper, and iron and rank near the top of all fruits for antioxidant strength.

The directions say to apply a few drops evenly over your freshly cleansed face and neck and pat the skin. I put the drops in my palms, rub them together, and then pat them into my face and neck. The oil should be used morning and night, but there's no rule about that; I'm using it at night. Those with oily skin should use it once/day or as needed during a dry spell. I'd recommend use at night. Anyone with normal to dry skin can use it twice a day. Make sure to avoid the eye area.

L.A. Christine isn't kidding when they advise you to use only a few drops. That's easy to do with the dropper included in the cap. The first time I used it, I unknowingly applied twice what I needed, and I found my face a little oily for about an hour. After that it had absorbed. The next time, I knew better. Even with - or despite - the early overdose, my skin looked fabulous the next morning.

I really like this oil for its abundance of hydrating ingredients. In addition to the three berries, it contains sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, and a natural fragrance that is very mild. Why not get a jump on this fall's introductions and give it a try?

L.A. Christine unites Scandinavian tradition with Californian innovation. The company’s mission is to tap the best of the Old and New Worlds in offering luxury skin-care products for an active lifestyle - no matter where you live.

A native of Helsinki, company founder Lea A.C. Fulton grew up surviving the harsh, cold winters of Finland and the effect the environment had on her dry and sensitive skin. She and her family spent time in many other parts of Europe, including England, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, and Switzerland, adapting to different weather conditions. 

Along with a passion for health and beauty, Lea's work in the entertainment industry also connected her with professional makeup artists seeking that perfect look. After relocating to Southern California in 2006, Lea decided to roll all of her experience and knowledge into creating a product that could protect, nourish, and smooth dry skin in all weather conditions. 
 
N° 3 Berry Face Oil was originally created for herself, her children, and family members. Her friends all noticed her healthy skin. As she made more of the product, it was embraced by everyone who tried it. With a diverse professional background, she embarked on a quest to bring the product to market,  searching around the world for other potent ingredients and collaborating with leading cosmetic labs, suppliers, and product developers. It's not easy to bring a new product to market.

In 2011, Fulton established her luxury brand L.A. Christine California. With a commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients from multiple global regions, the company also reflects Lea’s love of animals in developing cruelty-free products. 

Right now, it appears that N° 3 Berry Face Oil is the first (and only) product in the L.A. Christine line. I'm looking forward to next introductions. This oil offers many of my favorite qualities in skin care: botanical ingredients, purity, and effectiveness - and no animals were harmed in making or testing it. It is made in the USA. It even looks classy. The packaging and clean design are elegant. You can order it here.

Photos courtesy of L.A. Christine