Good skin comes from good genes!

Good skin comes from Good Genes. Well, that is kind of true I guess, however, I'm not talking about human genes! I have been using the Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment paired with the Sunday Riley CEO Vitamin C serum for a few weeks now. 

The central heating, biting winds, and frosts play havoc with my skin, leaving it feeling tight, dull, and unhappy. I started using this combo in January, determined to get my skin back on track. The word treatment throws up all sorts of worries for me. I'm always cautious about new products, and how they will react with my skin and cause a breakout. I need not worry; I have been so happy since the first application. Let's delve a little deeper. 

Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment

If you’re a skincare enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of treatments, chances are you’ve heard the buzz around Sunday Riley Good Genes. This exfoliating treatment is formulated with glycolic acid, and it promises* to refine texture, brighten your complexion, and leave your skin glowing. So does this deliver on its promises? Well, I can say that in fact, yes it does! 

How did I introduce this product into my skincare routine? Well, I started slowly. I used it once a week for a week then went up to 2 times a week which I am still doing. I felt an initial tingle but that soon went. I didn't get any redness which I was relieved about. I suggest using one to three pumps on clean, dry skin before applying your serum, I have used it at night mainly but it is suitable for morning or evening use. Do remember to use your SPF if you are using treatments like these, (although using an SPF daily is good advice anyway.)

Sunday Riley CEO Vitamin C Serum

What has been the other superpower product I have used with this one? Well, it's the Sunday Riley CEO Vitamin C Serum. This brightening serum is gentle yet effective as a treatment for brightening, anti-aging, and hydrating your skin. I didn't expect my skin to feel so moisturised after using it. It almost feels like I could use it alone and pass on my moisturiser (which of course, I wouldn't!) 

The serum is lightweight, and white, and blends into the skin easily. It has a slight citrus scent, but it isn't overpowering at all. I have relatively sensitive skin, and I had no reaction at all so anyone looking to try this shouldn't be put off by the scent.

My final thoughts

If you’re looking to help achieve healthy-looking skin, Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment and C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum can work together to tackle major skin concerns, such as dullness, uneven tone, fine lines, and dark spots.

Good Genes exfoliates and resurfaces the skin, creating the perfect canvas for the C.E.O. serum to brighten and protect. The result? Smoother, more radiant skin that feels refreshed and rejuvenated. By combining the exfoliating power of Good Genes with the antioxidant-rich C.E.O. serum, your skin should see some great changes.

Why this duo works

• Exfoliation and absorption: Good Genes preps your skin, ensuring the Vitamin C serum penetrates deeply for maximum brightening and anti-aging effects.

• Brightening and protection: The C.E.O. serum not only delivers an instant glow but also shields skin from environmental damage, thanks to its antioxidant formula.

If you are looking to upgrade your skincare routine, this duo is a must-try. Don’t forget to use sunscreen during the day to protect your skin and enhance the results!

What Sunday Riley products have you tried? Let me know in the comments. 

Bye, for now, Ally x 

Why I re-bought the gisou honey infused hair oil (and it's worth every penny!)

Well it happended. I re-bought the gisou honey infused hair oil! There are some products that just become part of your routines so easily, be that haircare, skincare or self care. That's how I feel about this hair oil, it is hair nourishment in a cute little bottle. 

There are so many things I love about it, the honey infused smell (yummy), the texture (not greasy), the shine it leaves (yes it really does.) I have used hair oils that are 'supposed' to be for all hair types, but the results haven't reflected that, this one does. 

Why honey is the hero ingredient

There is no doubt that gisou hair oil has a magic ingredient, which is its honey-infused formula. Did you know that honey is a natural humectant, which means it draws moisture from the air and seals it into your hair. It’s also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a powerhouse ingredient for hair repair and protection. 

The Mirsalehi honey, which is used in gisou products is sustainably sourced, aligning with the brand’s commitment to environmentally friendly haircare. So cool right?

How to use gisou hair oil

The oil is multi use and so versatile, it is like getting four products in one! Take a look. 

• After washing: It can be used after washing to lock in mositure and shine.
• Finishing touch: It can be applied as a finishing product to give your style an extra sparkle and tame any frizz that you may have.
• In between washes: Hair feeling a little lack lustre? Add a couple of drops to the mid lengths, watch those locks revive (and smell divine!)
• Overnight treatment: Oh yes, this one is a game changer if you want to wake up to a soft, shiny mane! I would use a couple of pipettes, warm in your palms and then work into your lengths and ends. 

Why I invested in the gisou hair oil

If you look into the gisou brand, they are of course, looking to sell their products and gain new customers, but I love their ethos. I love their commitment to sustainability, high quality ingredients and their history. Let's delve a little deeper into this. 

So the brand gisou was founded in 2015 by Negin Mirsalehi, and it is deeply rooted in a six-generation beekeeping heritage. Can you believe that the powerhouse of gisou was born from combining her father's expertise in keeping bees and her mother's hairdressing skills? Even more inspiring is that the recipe is based on her mums homemade haircare recipes using honey from their family bee garden! I love a wholesome back story, and I love the humble beginnings of this. I also love it that product delivers on what it promotes. 

The biggest plus of why I re-purchased this oil is how a little goes a long way! You don't need to use half the bottle to make an impact. You also get that unique gisou honey scent on your hair and it stays put!

Final thoughts

If you are in the market for a hair oil (and with this weather, I get you), then I would say invest a little more and buy this one. I have bought products that have disappointed me, and were not worth the investment, but this one won't do that.  

What are your thoughts on this now, iconic product? What other gisou products do you love? Let me know in the comments! Bye for now, Ally  

The Sephora Effect: Good or bad?

This is the last time I am going to write or say 'Happy New Year.' It seems only right to reference it on my first blog of 2025, but enough is enough! 

So, I have been pondering this post for a few weeks and it's a bit different to my top tips in marketing content. I needed to write about this, as it covers topics that I love to talk about and want to learn more about, brands and beauty! You may not be aware that I am an avid beauty fan. I am bewitched by skincare, nail varnish, hair care products, perfumes, and the list goes on. I have tried all the high-end beauty advent calendars, Selfridges, Look Fantastic, and this year Liberty (wow, this one is on a whole new level). I am that person who loves trying the products at the beauty counters and getting testers from Space NK! However, my daughter is now fifteen and is equally as enthused about beauty as I am. There lies the problem. I am an adult, however my daughter is clearly not. 

I want to share the experience that led me to write this post. The date is 27 December and we decided to head to Bluewater, a huge shopping centre about an hour away, (cue a big disapproving eye roll from parents-in-law!) Anyway, we set off nice and early and arrived at a virtually empty centre, just us and a few people wandering around. We managed to visit all the shops we wanted to, with little stress and none of the frantic scenes you imagine there being at the sales. 

It was coffee time (another huge passion of mine), and I could sense a different atmosphere, a sense of urgency and anticipation, and the noise level had risen considerably. We turned the corner to find a mouth-opening amount of people, queueing in a long line to get into one shop. No other shop had a queue. No other shop had security at the entrance. No other shop had customers with an average age of 12! 

If you have a teenager, I think you know where this is heading...Sephora. I have seen so many social media posts and read articles about Sephora and its almost cult-like following. Sephora as a brand is an absolute powerhouse in the beauty arena. Every popular brand, every viral fragrance, bright lights, and amazing displays. It reminds me of the Toys R Us jingle 'with toys in their millions, all under one roof.' My daughter has even pleaded to buy a product from there to get a Sephora bag. 

The Sephora effect, from someone who is passionate about beauty brands and interested in their journey, is very exciting. From a parent's perspective, however, I have honestly had to put on the brakes and have some serious chats. It throws up several concerns that cannot all be put at Sephora's door, but they do have a responsibility to their customers. They have a unique ability to inspire their customers toward financial responsibility, product transparency, and ethical consumerism. Sephora’s own statement reflects this commitment: "As the only truly global retailer, we can dare to change the way the world sees beauty, and we're committed to making a difference for our employees, our consumers, and our communities." 

Social media has a huge role in influencing our young people today. The super aesthetic skincare routines, and the need to keep up with their friends due to the social output from brands like Sephora, it's a worry. I drew the line at seeing videos of children using retinol. If you know skincare, you will know this is a massive no-no. Retinol is an anti-aging product, which if used on young skin can create problems. Luckily, I am well versed on what product does what, so requests from my daughter were screened and denied (most of the time.)

Sephora is growing, having opened 7 new stores in 2024 including Kent, London, and Manchester with more due this year. It is competing with iconic retailers such as Boots, Superdrug, and SpaceNK, all popular haunts with beauty lovers and the younger generation. It will be interesting to watch the expansion of Sephora and to witness how they evolve further. I want to see if they will use AI even more within their growth strategy, and what unique ways they will find to attract and retain customers. 

So to answer my question, is the Sephora effect good or bad? I am at the moment watching and waiting. I have outlined my concerns on youngsters being highly influenced to use products that are not suitable, and taking the need to buy multiple products too far. I love beauty, and so does my daughter. I have to take the lead and advise and guide, so the bad side of beauty doesn't encroach on her. Sephora is definitely one to watch if you love beauty and big brands, I know I will be. 

Have you or your youngsters experienced the Sephora effect? Let me know in the comments. Bye for now. 

Ally    

Serum addiction - it's a thing

I have A LOT of beauty products. These range from lip pencils to lipsticks to hair mist and cream blush. One product collection that is certainly growing is serums. I just love them and I have tried many of them! Today I wanted to share my current favourites, so let's go.

Skin Saints Vit C Illuminating Serum

This little bottle of light offers skin a extra boost of hydration which in turn gives skin a bit more of a glow. As we know, Vitamin C is a powerhouse for offering smoothness and brighness, and for the price, I think that this serum is really good. I bought this in Tesco by the way, a little extra treat that isn't a doughnut!

Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth serum

So, this is now a huge favourite of mine. Not only the gorgeous branding (the marketer in me) but the contents are pretty special to. This brand is founded by two skin care fanatics (Sarah Lee and Christine Chang) with over 20 years of experience in the global beauty industry.  The serum contains actives ingredients that are hardworking but gentle. The Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Serum tackles rough textures and offers a radiant complexion with use. Oh and it looks pretty gorgeous on your dressing table/cabinet as well!

BIO Effect EGF Serum

This is a powerhouse if you are looking for help with anti-aging and a need to help prevent and target signs of skin aging. It also adds in moisture to the skin. There are only 7 pure ingredients, including their signature Barley EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor),which is a protein that helps support the skin’s natural production of collagen. If you are looking for skin that looks smooth and healthy, this is definitely a serum to consider.

I love all of these for their individual qualities. Some are more expensive than other yes, but they do deliver on different levels according to your needs. Do I have an addiction... I like to find products that work yes, and I think I have found some for now....

What is your favourite serum? What are your skin needs, I might be able to recommend a serum to help?

Comment below, follow me on Insta at @claritybeautymc or ping me an email: allyson@claritybeauty.co.uk 

An empty review you need to read!

I've come to the end of another great product. I bought the Optimum Vitamin C serum whilst I was in Superdrug around 3 or 4 months ago. This is some indication as to how long it has lasted which is not bad when used every day. The packaging suggests it can be used morning and night, but I only use a Vitamin C serum in the morning on cleansed skin, which is correct practice unless I am mistaken. 

The packaging is compact with a clear lid. It has a nice pump to release the product which makes using it very easy. So what is the serum like? It is clear in appearance, with a stable texture and smells of citrus which was lovely each morning, a really fresh scent. I used a small amount, perhaps a UK 5p size, if that. This covered the whole of my face and my neck. The feeling initially was a little sticky on my face, however, that didn't last and it melted into my skin. Where does this fit into my skin regime? I use a Vitamin Serum on clean skin before anything else. I then apply my moisturiser, then my SPF 50 last. All of these together create a superb base for my makeup. 

The results

The serum contains 10% vitamin C and can help with fine lines and wrinkles. It also can brighten and smooth the surface of the skin. I'm now over forty, so any product that can support my ageing journey is most welcome! I will say that the daily use of the serum made my skin feel very hydrated and flexible. I'm lucky that I don't have wrinkles (yet), so I cannot comment on its success with those. I am mainly looking for my skin to look healthy, smooth, and bright and I can confirm that this serum delivered these aspects. It quickly became an integrated part of the regime, and I have missed it since I finished the tube. 

Would I buy it again?

Yes, I would. It is a great serum for a light everyday Vitamin C option. I would be interested to hear of any other Vitamin C serum options you may have used? 

I firmly believe that having a healthy diet, exercising, and drinking plenty of water all contribute to glowing skin and a healthy body and mind. Being able to use and experience various products is also lots of fun. :)

Thanks for reading, get in touch on my Instagram @claritybeautymc

Bye for now, Ally x

 

The Rich cream.... a very special cream!

Hi there, it's Ally, your beauty and skincare addict! I am so excited to tell you all about this gorgeous cream, from a brand that you may not have heard about (well I hadn't).

So, how did I get to use this cream? I was very lucky to receive my Selfridges Advent Calendar last year and the Augustinus Bader 'The Rich Cream' was one of the little treats inside! As soon as I picked it out of the calendar I could instantly feel this was a special cream. The beautiful colours (a blue bottle with rose gold and white writing) of the branding and the weighted bottle just oozed class. I immediately pulled the lid off which revealed a tiered pump from which the cream would come. I knew I would enjoy using this cream and couldn't wait to start.

The Rich Cream with TFC8

Let's dig deeper into the product inside the bottle. The cream is white in colour, nothing fancy, nothing sparkly, just a solid white cream. I didn't take a photo as it would have been a really boring image! The texture is sumptuous and luxurious, the kind of cream that you pump out onto your hand, and it stays put and doesn't run off. Although it is slightly heavier than the creams I have used, it blended into my face and neck beautifully. It was not heavy, greasy, or left a residue of any kind on my skin. The only observation I will make is that it has an unusual scent. It isn't unpleasant, it isn't fragrant it's just a smell. However, once it is rubbed into the skin, the smell fades and there is nothing there. I've noticed it so I thought it was worth mentioning. 

The cream is backed by over thirty years of research by Professor Bader, who is a pioneer in the field of stem cell biology and a doctor of regenerative medicine. It is full of amazing skin-loving ingredients and nutrients. This cream is designed to hydrate, nourish and take special care of your skin. The magic ingredient is TFC8 which is the science part! The cream is designed to focus on skin renewal and has the renewing complex inside this and all this range. I would recommend clicking the above links to learn more about the technology and research that has gone into this cream, it is quite fascinating.

What were my thoughts?  

What is there not to love about this face cream? A little goes a long way, and because of its texture, it melts into the skin with little effort. I always use an SPF after a moisturiser, and I was a little worried that using both would cause greasiness, but no. The cream doesn't have an SPF so remember that if you want to try this, a separate SPF will be needed (if you use one). I love the feeling of hydration I get from this cream and I am certain that my skin is smoother. I've been using it since Boxing Day, so that is enough time to tell. A 15ml bottle of this cream will cost around £71 so it is certainly not cheap, but after reading about the specialist ingredients, time, and research that have gone into its production, I can understand why. I would love to have this as my daily cream and I would definitely like to try some other products in this range.

I hope you have enjoyed my review of this face cream. Please remember that having a healthy diet, exercising, and drinking plenty of water all contribute to glowing skin and a healthy body and mind. Having amazing products like these also helps, as well as being so fun to explore. 

What did you like most about this cream? What is your favourite face cream? Leave a comment I'd love to hear. :)

Why not follow me on my Instagram and TikTok profiles, both @claritylstyle

Take care and catch up soon. Thanks, Ally x 

Eve Lom moisture cream

Today is the day that my Eve Lom moisture cream is coming to an end. Sad times, but I couldn't let this one go without jotting down a few lines. 

I've been using this cream for a couple of months and I have really enjoyed it. The fragrance of the cream is quite strong and I was a little worried that it would agitate my skin. This didn't happen and there were no reactions (other than positive) to my skin. 

The cream's texture is rich and glides onto the skin with ease. Even though it is a heavier cream than I was used to, it isn't heavy on the skin at all. I did feel like my skin drank up the moisture and lovely ingredients. I only use this as part of my daily routine, as I use a separate night cream for that extra moisture surge whilst I sleep! It is also a great base for makeup as I have discovered. The cream is very nourishing and leaves my skin soft and supple, however, I can't say that it has left my skin looking any younger. 

The pot screams luxury and its weight and design definitely deliver this. It looks beautiful on my dresser and I will miss seeing it once it is finished. 

Will, I re-purchase? Unfortunately, I don't think so. I think it is a lovely cream, but it is very expensive and not something I would payout for. I'm now on the lookout for another day cream, not overly fussed about the SPF as I use a separate one. What are you using? Drop some ideas in the comments for me.

Why not come and join me on my Insta page @claritybeautymc it would be great to see you!