The 109 Block

SUNDAY RILEY GOOD GENES REVIEW

2021-02-07T17:06:00.000+00:00

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

BEIGE PROJECT

2020-09-13T17:35:00.003+01:00

Trousers, Blazer & Sandals / Pantalones, blazer y sandalias: Zara (old) / similar jeans here / similar blazer here

Top: H&M

Handbag / Bolso: Coach

Scarf / Pañuelo: Vintage Celine

Belt / Cinturon: bought in Tunisia / Comprado en Túnez hace años

END OF SUMMER FLOWERS

2020-09-03T20:47:00.000+01:00

Dress / Vestido: Zara (sales - similar here)

Sandals / Sandalias: Zara (similar here)

Handbag / Bolso: Zara (SS19 - similar here)

Earrings / Pendientes: Zara (sales)

LIFE IN A TERRACE

2020-05-01T21:05:00.000+01:00

Shirt / Camisa: H&M

Trousers / Pantalón: Zara (old)

Earrings / Pendientes: Stradiarius

Necklaces / Collares: Singulatu & H&M

Sunglasses / Gafas de sol: Zara (old)

STAY AT HOME BUT NOT WITHOUT MY BLAZER

2020-04-09T17:50:00.000+01:00

#StayHome

Blazer: Zara
Jeans: Zara
Earrings / Pendientes: Stradivarius

SIMPLICITY

2020-03-08T20:10:00.000+00:00

Jeans: Zara (new season)

Top: Bershka (old, similar here & here)

Sneakers / Zapatillas: Veja

Handbag / Bolso: Coach
Belt / Cinturón: Rouje

ORANGE BRUNCH

2020-02-16T19:32:00.000+00:00

Trench: Zara

Top: Zara

Jeans: Zara

Handbag / Bolso: Coach

Sneakers: Veja

Sunglasses / Gafas de sol: Rayban

UNIFORM

2020-02-09T19:10:00.000+00:00

Blazer: Mango
Jeans : Stardivarius
Top: Mango
Sneakers / Deportivas: Veja
Handbag / Bolso: Coach
Earrings / Pendientes: H&M

FALL BLUES

2019-11-10T19:52:00.003+00:00

Trousers / Pantalones: Zara (similar here)

Jumper / Jersey: Uniqlo

Handbag / Bolso: Tommy Hilfiger

Sandals / Sandalias: Uterque

Belt / Cinturón: Rouje (tan color here)

LES BASICS

2019-10-06T19:49:00.000+01:00

Blazer: Zara

Jeans: & Other Stories

Sandals / Sandalias: Zara

Belt / Cinturón: Zara

Handbag / Bolso: Zara

OVERSIZE

2019-09-22T18:39:00.000+01:00

Blazer & trousers / Blazer & pantalones: Zara

Top: Stradivarius

Handbag / Bolso: Michael Kors

Sandals / Sandalias: Zara (ss 19)

LE ROBE

2019-09-15T17:29:00.001+01:00

Dress / Vestido: Pull&Bear (new)

Sandals / Sandalias: Zara

Handbag / Bolso: Zara

Earrings / Pendientes: Mango

LA VILLE

2019-08-11T20:47:00.001+01:00

Jeans: Pull&Bear (old but similar here)
T-shirt: Topshop
Handbag / Bolso: Michael Kors
Earrings / Pendientes: H&M
Mules / Sandalia: Zara (similar here)

Instagram @the109block

SPRING FRIDAY

2019-05-01T19:31:00.000+01:00

& Other Stories blazer

Stradivarius jeans

Uterque sling-backs

Michael Kors handbag (similar here)

Mango earrings (similar here)

ESQIDO EYELINER DECODED

2019-04-14T18:37:00.004+01:00

Using Esqido eyeliner in brown in all the photos.

I love beauty and make-up products and although I'm not an expert I enoy discovering new products and formulas of my go-to products through the year. As I mentioned in my updated make-up routine, this eyeliner was with no doubt the discovery of 2018 (that means something!) - you wouldn't be surprised these are some of the reasons why:

Lasts all day without smudging & it's water resistant!
Color payoff is amazing.
Retractable (ouh yeah, makes such a difference when you're in a rush or travelling).
5-free, formaldehyde and paraben free (I love this!). Such a gentle and great quality formula.
No animal testing - as an animal lover this is an important feature for me.

[Read full post of my make-up routine here]

Get yours here and don' forget to use my code: laras to enjoy a 20% discount in any of their products!

THE SUIT

2019-03-19T20:01:00.004+00:00

Blazer & trousers: Zara (old but similar here & here)
Belt / Cinturón: Zara
T-shirt / Camiseta: Bershka
Handbag / bolso: Zara
Sneakers / zapatillas: Superga

LEOPARD PRINT

2019-03-05T18:13:00.000+00:00

Top, jeans & ankle boots: Zara
Trench: Bershka
Handbag / Bolso: Coach
Earrings / Pendientes: Parfois

RAW WHITE

2019-02-17T18:51:00.001+00:00

Sweater / Jersey: Bershka
Jeans: Stradivarius (mom vintage)
Sunglasses / Gafas de sol: Ray Ban
Necklace / Collar: Singularu
Bracelet / Pulsera: My mum's (vintage)
Ankle boots / Botines: Zara
Belt / Cinturón: Zara
Handbag / Bolso: Coach
Earrings / Pendientes: Stradivarius

TRENDS 2019: SHELL AND SEA JEWELRY

2019-02-10T19:20:00.001+00:00

It's a #trend and you won't stop seeing it on social media from now on, I'm warning you: by summer you'll have them all :)

This season don't miss out on getting the trendiest summer and sea-inspired jewelry. From earrings to necklaces, rings and even belts, feel that summer breeze in your everyday outfits.

You can get your hands on the fancy but gorgeous Amber Sceats pieces, their quality and special designs won't let you down. Brinker and Eliza are also getting really popular through many of my favourite instagrammers. Or you can test the trend with more pocket-friendly purchases at Stradivarius (bracelet version), Mango, Ettika, Coqui-Coqui or even Amazon for a couple of euros.

More options here (ankle bracelet) and here (super affordable pair of cool earrings).

You're welcome :)

NIGHT LIGHT

2019-01-21T09:00:00.000+00:00

Trousers / Pantalones: Zara (old)
Turtleneck / Jersey: Zara
Blazer: & Other Stories
Coat / Abrigo: Massimo Dutti
Sneakers / Zapatillas: Vans
Handbag / Bolso: Michael Kors
Initial ecklace / Colgante inicial: Maria Pascual

NEUTRALS' GAME

2019-01-14T18:45:00.000+00:00

Cardigan: H&M
Blazer: Humana (second hand shop)
T-shirt / Camiseta: Topshop
Ankle boots /Botines: Zara TRF
Necklace / Collar: Singularu
Handbag / Bolso: Michael Kors
Earrings / Pendientes: Tesco (Ireland)

UPDATED MAKE UP ROUTINE 2018

2018-11-25T18:26:00.000+00:00

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 :)

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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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).
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.
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).
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!

SOMEWHERE IN THE CITY

2018-10-28T19:51:00.000+00:00

T-shirt: Zara studio (ss 18)
Jeans / Vaqueros: Pull & Bear
Jacket / Chaqueta: Vintage
Sandals / Sandalias: Massimo Dutti (ss 18)
Handbag / Bolso: Michael Kors
Earrings / Pendientes: Stradivarius (aw 18)

THE SATIN SKIRT

2018-10-14T18:26:00.000+01:00

Skirt / Falda: Mango (almost sold out!), similar in rust color here and in blue here.
Tee / Camiseta: Zara, similar here.
Sneakers / Zapatillas de deporte: Superga
Handbag / Bolso: Coach
Earrings / Pendientes: Parfois

PARIS, JE T'AIME

2018-09-23T18:44:00.000+01:00

Skirt / Falda: Zara Studio 18
T-shirt / Camiseta: Bershka Join Life
Shirt / Camisa: Uniqlo
Sneakers / Zapatillas: Superga
Handbag / Bolso: Michael Kors