SUNDAY RILEY GOOD GENES REVIEW

Hello all!

*Please note this is a review of the original formula (Lactic Acid).

I've been wanting to do this review for such a long time as I haven't seen that many opinions online and this product does deserve a proper review.

I purchased Good Genes for the first time in Sephora during my trip to California almost 5 years ago, even though it wasn't on my shopping list. However, I stumbled upon their stand and I had to have a look. Of course, I had heard some YouTubers raving about this range but still wasn't sure what to pick (I hesitated between this one and Luna oil (which I also own now :) 

I started using it in November 2015 hoping it will help with my acne and post-acne scars and this is my fourth or fifth bottle. The product claims to help improve imperfections, scars and provide luminosity and strength to the skin. From the very beginning I noticed how my face was revitalized, more luminous and hydrated. It definitely helps to get that glowy skin that we all want! Within a few weeks I clearly noticed that my post acne marks and hyperpigmentation diminished as well as pore size. It definitely helps clearing my skin when its congested (I suffer from acne but it keeps it way more under control) and it's an amazing night serum, you wake up in the morning with a hydrated and more beautiful skin, I love how healthy it makes my skin look even with my fewer imperfections. It is also great under make up when you want that extra umph, probably thanks to the circulation boosting ingredients. My mum has also used it a few times and has also seen immediate results with regards to luminosity, more healthy, beautiful and even complexion.

It's main "magic" ingredient is lactic acid which is well known for:

• Reducing fine lines
• Improving skin tone
• Fading pigmentation, acne scars and evening our the color of your skin
• Controlling and preventing oiliness and breakouts

If there were not enough reasons to love this product, the fact that most of its ingredientes are natural (pickly pear, lemongrass and blue agave among others), that is not tested on animals and does not contain parabens makes it really especial. Its scent is kind of citrussy and natural, but the smell doesn't cling for hours and I find it quite pleasant and refreshing.

It can also be used as a face mask before an special event or when your skin is missing some TLC, however, for the price I prefer to use it as a day or night serum.

The only con I could point out is its price, let's face it, it is an expensive product (85£ at Cult Beauty -glycolic acid version- around 100€), but from my experience, I can say it is totally worth it. It has been a game changer for me and it is an essential part of my skin care regime.

They have now reformulated the product for Europe and have subsituted the magical lactic acid with glycolic acid, which is also great but knowing that the original formula gives me great results I'm not very tempted to try the new one - have you tried it? How does it compare? 

I purchased my last bottle at Revolve (lactid acid version) at a very similar price (they also have the 50ml one).

If you have liked these review and would like to read more reviews of products I use, do not hesitate to leave me a comment with your thoughts or drop me an email.


And don't forget to follow me on Instagram! @the109block

Thanks for reading.

Please note that this is my own personal experience with a very specific skin type and condition, and what works for me might not necessarily provide you with the same results. :)

Credits: picture from Sunday Riley

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UPDATED MAKE UP ROUTINE 2018

Hello everyone!

As some of you have asked me what's new in my make up routine, I thought it might be interesting to go through all the products I use on my everyday make up, and I mean every single one of them - not kidding. It's not only my everyday make-up, it also serves me on different occassions. Of course, I am no make-up artist but it works for me and lasts all day.
I have listed them below in order of application (my application, everyone's different :)

1. Double wear Stay in Place foundation Estée Lauder (in 2N1 Dessert Beige): It is my trustworthy foundation, I won't go anywhere without it. I have been using it for almost 4 years now and nothing compares to it. I mainly love it beacause it is a very natural full coverage foundation (it is buildable, and you can also achieve a lighter base with it depending on application), it lasts all day and without looking dry or patched. There's a wide variety of tones to choose from, so you will be able to find a right match for sure.
2. Urban Decay Naked Palette: I specially love the colour "sidecar" which gives a very natural, slightly tanned but glowy look to the eye. I am no expert applying eye shadow but most of the colors in this palette are very easy to apply. I love the natural, earthy-toned look you can achieve with it. 
3. Esqido Gel Eyeliner (brown): The discovery of the year with no doubt. I don't do black eyeliner that often anymore, I think brown matches better with my skin tone and my everyday make up so when I tried this one my world changed - perfect tone of brown, easy to apply and it is retractable, oh yes, that's important. By the way, the packaging is beautiful too.
4. Volume Million Lashes So Cotoure L'Oreal mascara: My go-to mascara for a couple of years now. The formula is great and lasting but I think the wound makes all the difference, it really separates your lashes but gives them body as well without looking too clumpy - by the way,  the price is budget-friendly. Wink-wink!
5. Goof Poof Eyebrow Pencil (colour 3): As everyone else, I've gotten into the brow game, however, I already have pretty thick eyebrows so I stick to the basics: filling out the gaps and making them look a bit more tidy. The good thing about this pencil is that it is (damn) easy to use, and the colour is a perfect match for me too. So, winner.
6. Perfecting & Shaping Eyebrow Gel Catrice (in 10): these was one of the first eyebrow products that I ever tried and I always go back to it, it is easy to apply and quite inexpensive. Go Catrice!
7. Bahama Mama The Balm bronzer: Wow! This product lasts l-o-n-g and still looks fab, such a good color match for my light skin tone in winter and also super cute and bronzie in summer. What else can you ask for? I always apply it with the Real Techniques blush brus h(the pink fluffy one).
8. Shimmering Skin Perfector Becca (in Opal): I was using Benefit's High Beam when I found this and nothing compares to it. It delivers a juicy, natural but glowy highlight that can be worn over or under make up or even mixed with your daily moisturiser or foundation. It looks beautiful on the skin.
9. Blushing Blush Clinique (in Sunset Glow): One of my dearest colleagues in Dublin (Georgina) gave me a sample of this blush and even used it on my wedding day (the one in Ireland, lol). It lasted quite a long time and I recently had to purchase it again as it gives me that sun kissed effect that I love so much. If you're looking for a less expensive alternative Catrice´s Defining Blush delivers kind of the same effect (not sure if all the original tones are still available, though).
10. Kate Matte lipstick (in 101): An oldie but a goodie. If you have very light skin tone, or are looking for a natural pink lip color this is your best bet! It looks kind of amazing on the lips and it doesn't cost a fortune. So many people still ask me about which color I'm wearing on my lips and most of the time is this one! I have made many of my friends and colleagues but that. tHow about that? Lol.

And that's it for now! If you have any questions or suggestions leave me a comment and I'll make sure to reaply. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @the109block

Happy new week everyone!

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SUNSET LOOKBOOK

Dress / Vestido: Zaful (Here / Aquí)
Blazer: Urban Outfitters
Sneakers / Zapatillas: Zara
Earrings / Pendientes: Sfera
Sunglasses / Gafas de Sol: Mango
Handbag / Bolso: Coach

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SUMMER GEMS

Hello everyone! As you know I am a girl of a few words when it comes to blogging, but I just wanted to share my quick review if a few garments that I have recently received from Sammydress. I chose a mix of accesories and clothing to try a bit of evrything and I have to say the are all of great quality and beautiful fit, in fact, this grey top that you can see on the pics has become one of my favourite pieces of the season!
The only downside with one of the products would be with the handbag due to its rougher material that damage more delicate clothing - so if you get one of these this summerbe aware of that :)
Regarding the earrings, I see so many possibilities with them: mixing them in a more casual look with jeans and sneakers, but also for a night out or special occasions such as romantic dinners or even a wedding!

If you have any more questions regarding fit, sizes, etc, don't be shy to send me an email or ask me on my social media such as Instagram (@the109block) or Facebook (the109block).

Have an awesome week! xx

Tank Top / Top Punto: Sammydress (sold out but similar HERE)
Handbag / Bolso: Sammydress + DIY (HERE)
Earrings / Pendientes: Sammydress (HERE)
Pants / Pantalones: Zara (sales/rebajas)
Sandals / Sandalias: Oysho

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NYFW FALL '14 PICKS

I have to admit that it hasn't been easy to pick my favourite outfits from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York as it has really amazed me this time. Sally Lapointe has been with no doubt one of my favourites. I think she presented a very powerful  and elegant collection defined by the monochromatic trend and that plays with different textures, specially leather and fur. Michael Kors really impresed me too, he presented an amazing fall collection, very feminine and with a beautiful bohemian touch. Hope you you enjoy this little recap that it has already inspired me to choose my outfit for this week! Stay tuned as there will be a new outfit post tomorrow!
Much Love, L

Tengo que reconocer que no ha sido fácil hacer una recopilación de mis conjuntos favoritos en esta recién terminada Mercedes Benz Fashion Week en Nueva York ya que en general me ha dejado impresionada. Sally Lapointe ha sido una de mis favoritos en esta ocasión, creo que es una colección con mucha fuerza y elegncia definida por la tendencia monocromática en la que ha jugado con distintas texturas, sobre todo piel. Michael Kors también presentó una colección increíble, muy femenina y con cierto toque bohemio que me impresionó. Espero que os guste este pequeño resumen de mis favoritos, a mi  por lo menos ya me está dando ideas para vestir en lo que queda de invierno! Mañana nuevo outfit, estad atentos! x


Credits: mbfashionweek.com, tumblr

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