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Around the time I turned 30, I started noticing a crease below my left eye that would not go away with sleep. This is also approximately the age my mother started not so subtly sending me antiaging articles with headlines like “The Best Skin-Care Routine for Your 30s.” From these articles, I learned the word retinol and also started seeing the brand Sunday Riley’s name everywhere. I lusted after its best-selling products, particularly the Good Genes Serum, but shied away from the prices. That is, until I found its Luna Sleeping Night Oil on sale (which, FYI, it is once again at Dermstore right now).
After diving deep into rave reviews and beauty editors’ lists of their personal favorite products (including from SELF), I bought myself a small bottle of the Luna for my birthday when I saw it discounted. It was the priciest skin-care item I’d ever purchased, but well worth it. The main ingredient of the oil is retinol, which is a type of retinoid. Retinoids are forms of vitamin A that, when used topically, cause skin cells to multiply and shed more quickly, leading to smoother skin, less acne, and decreased wrinkles. John G. Zampella, M.D., dermatologist and assistant professor in the Ronald O. Perelman department of dermatology at NYU Langone Health, previously told SELF: “Retinoids are the only thing clinically proven to reverse the signs of aging, full stop.”
At first I was hesitant to try a product with retinol because I have extremely sensitive skin and have read horror stories about how it burns, but the reviews I read on Luna said it wouldn’t irritate. For balance to the product’s retinol, it contains oils from calming German chamomile and blue tansy (Moroccan chamomile). Both of these ingredients work to soothe skin and any redness that may occur from the retinol.
I found it easy to use and still do; after applying my usual First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair moisturizer before bed, I lightly massage a few of the fragrant, deep blue droplets into my face and neck. The blue disappears instantly, and by morning my skin looks tighter and brighter, like I’ve gotten the kind of Botox people can’t tell is Botox. Over time I’ve noticed dark spots on my cheeks, as well as that pesky undereye crease, fade. Best of all, my skin isn’t annoyed. I glow, so I guess my mother was right.
Now I keep an eye out for price drops on Luna so that I don’t have to hoard it. Sales on Sunday Riley products are hard to come by in general, but here’s some good news for all of us: As part of Dermstore’s Beauty Refresh sale, now through March 10, you’ll find my beloved Luna Sleeping Night Oil (as well as its best-selling product, the culty Good Genes serum) for 20% off—a seriously great deal that you won’t find very often. A 1.18-ounce bottle is regularly $105 but is currently on markdown for just $84. And if you want to work your way up to the bigger size, you’ll find the 0.5-ounce bottle for $44 instead of $55.
If you’ve got sensitive skin like me but are looking to erase those fine lines and discoloration, Luna’s for you, so make moves before these amazing discounts disappear. Just remember to use the code GLOWUP at checkout.
Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil (1.18 oz.)
Related:
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- 15 Best Antiaging Creams 2020 That Will Nourish and Repair Dry Skin
- 7 Over-the-Counter Retinol Serums and Creams Dermatologists Highly Recommend