Irish doctor's face cream wins fans for soothing redness and boosting glow
Dr Sam's is the brainchild of Co Down woman Dr Sam Bunting - a former doctor who now runs her own private skin clinic on London's famous Harley Street. Her goal is to give everyday people access to "dermatologist-adjacent" skincare routines, without needing a prescription or specialist appointment.
One product in particular is getting rave reviews across beauty circles - the Flawless Moisturiser Intense, priced at €42 for 50ml or €76 for 100ml. If your skin is dry, sensitive or just struggles through Ireland's colder, windier months, this could be the hydration hero you've been searching for.
Designed to create results in just 60 seconds, it has not only picked up awards - including Best Healing Moisturiser in Woman and Home Magazine and Best Barrier Repair in Red Magazine - but this face cream clinically proven to repair the skin barrier in just one use.
This isn't your typical thick, heavy cream that smothers skin and ruins makeup. Instead, it's light enough to layer under SPF and foundation, but powerful enough to deeply hydrate, calm redness and keep your skin barrier strong. It uses Sunflower Sprout Extract, a breakthrough ingredient that boosts NAD+ levels in the skin to speed up cellular renewal - plus skin-loving staples like ectoin, squalane, ceramides and glycerin.
On the release of the Flawless Moisturiser Intense back in 2023, Dr Sam said: "This heals dry, sensitive and redness-prone skin from the inside out in a cosmetically elegant formula. Unlike those other heavy, gloopy and clogging face cream that wreak your makeup and stain your pillowcases, get ready to glow with the product you didn't know you needed."
Elsewhere, a 50ml pot of La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Moisturiser Riche is available on Amazon Ireland for €30.25. Or shoppers can pick up the Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 72HR Cream 50ml for €48.95 at LookFantastic. Ideal for dry and very dry skin types, the rich face cream delivers long-lasting hydration to dry-feeling skin.
Dr Sam herself swears by a simple four-step routine: "There's cleanse, activate, hydrate and protect". She recommends using the moisturiser as the third step (hydrate) in conjunction with the three other pillars of skincare. The expert doesn't believe in unnecessary steps or gimmicky "skincare entertainment" - just formulas that work. Shoppers have hailed the Flawless Moisturiser Intense as a 'lifesaver' (Image: Dr Sam's)
And according to over 1,300 five-star reviews, her approach is paying off. One fan wrote: "This is a fabulous product, it sinks in easily and my skin feels so soft. It helps to reduce redness." Another said simply: "Love this moisturiser, it's fantastic."
Others shared more detailed praise: "Using this product every morning and night, I have combination dry mature skin. I am 64 yrs old. I use Brightly eye and face first, then intense moisturiser. I have so many compliments about my skin." Another happy customer said: "I love this moisturiser! I have very sensitive skin with eczema but I'm also prone to breakouts. This moisturiser is the only one I've found that is soothing enough to help with the dryness and redness, but also doesn't feel heavy or break me out. It is expensive but worth it to be honest!"
For some, the results have been life-changing: "Amazing. Cleared my cystic acne and no future break outs. Takes about 6 weeks but well worth the long term results". One mature-skin user added: "The best moisturiser I've tried so far for my mature skin. It just works!! 100% recommend this!"
Another called it their "holy grail", adding: "I am obsessed!!! I will never use any moisturiser on my face apart from this one. Immediately I use it, I just have a heathy, glowy, dewy face." Someone else shared: "I would never leave a review but with this product I had to. Simply the best!"
However, one shopper awarded the Flawless Moisturiser Intense a three-star review because they noticed "no real difference" to their skin. They said: "Seven days of using this moisturiser and I've noticed no real difference. I'm disappointed as it was reviewed as a great cream for dry skin."
Dr Sam's also understands that trying new skincare can be daunting. That's why they offer a Happiness Pledge - if you're not delighted within 60 days, they'll make it right or give you a full refund, no questions asked.
For more information or to buy the Flawless Moisturiser Intense, head to the Dr Sam's website.
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Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Irish doctor's face cream wins fans for soothing redness and boosting glow
If you've ever wished you could get dermatologist-approved skincare without shelling out for a pricey private appointment or sitting on a long waiting list, there's a brand that's catching the attention of beauty lovers here in Ireland - and it's already winning big with experts and shoppers alike. Dr Sam's is the brainchild of Co Down woman Dr Sam Bunting - a former doctor who now runs her own private skin clinic on London's famous Harley Street. Her goal is to give everyday people access to "dermatologist-adjacent" skincare routines, without needing a prescription or specialist appointment. One product in particular is getting rave reviews across beauty circles - the Flawless Moisturiser Intense, priced at €42 for 50ml or €76 for 100ml. If your skin is dry, sensitive or just struggles through Ireland's colder, windier months, this could be the hydration hero you've been searching for. Designed to create results in just 60 seconds, it has not only picked up awards - including Best Healing Moisturiser in Woman and Home Magazine and Best Barrier Repair in Red Magazine - but this face cream clinically proven to repair the skin barrier in just one use. This isn't your typical thick, heavy cream that smothers skin and ruins makeup. Instead, it's light enough to layer under SPF and foundation, but powerful enough to deeply hydrate, calm redness and keep your skin barrier strong. It uses Sunflower Sprout Extract, a breakthrough ingredient that boosts NAD+ levels in the skin to speed up cellular renewal - plus skin-loving staples like ectoin, squalane, ceramides and glycerin. On the release of the Flawless Moisturiser Intense back in 2023, Dr Sam said: "This heals dry, sensitive and redness-prone skin from the inside out in a cosmetically elegant formula. Unlike those other heavy, gloopy and clogging face cream that wreak your makeup and stain your pillowcases, get ready to glow with the product you didn't know you needed." Elsewhere, a 50ml pot of La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Moisturiser Riche is available on Amazon Ireland for €30.25. Or shoppers can pick up the Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 72HR Cream 50ml for €48.95 at LookFantastic. Ideal for dry and very dry skin types, the rich face cream delivers long-lasting hydration to dry-feeling skin. Dr Sam herself swears by a simple four-step routine: "There's cleanse, activate, hydrate and protect". She recommends using the moisturiser as the third step (hydrate) in conjunction with the three other pillars of skincare. The expert doesn't believe in unnecessary steps or gimmicky "skincare entertainment" - just formulas that work. Shoppers have hailed the Flawless Moisturiser Intense as a 'lifesaver' (Image: Dr Sam's) And according to over 1,300 five-star reviews, her approach is paying off. One fan wrote: "This is a fabulous product, it sinks in easily and my skin feels so soft. It helps to reduce redness." Another said simply: "Love this moisturiser, it's fantastic." Others shared more detailed praise: "Using this product every morning and night, I have combination dry mature skin. I am 64 yrs old. I use Brightly eye and face first, then intense moisturiser. I have so many compliments about my skin." Another happy customer said: "I love this moisturiser! I have very sensitive skin with eczema but I'm also prone to breakouts. This moisturiser is the only one I've found that is soothing enough to help with the dryness and redness, but also doesn't feel heavy or break me out. It is expensive but worth it to be honest!" For some, the results have been life-changing: "Amazing. Cleared my cystic acne and no future break outs. Takes about 6 weeks but well worth the long term results". One mature-skin user added: "The best moisturiser I've tried so far for my mature skin. It just works!! 100% recommend this!" Another called it their "holy grail", adding: "I am obsessed!!! I will never use any moisturiser on my face apart from this one. Immediately I use it, I just have a heathy, glowy, dewy face." Someone else shared: "I would never leave a review but with this product I had to. Simply the best!" However, one shopper awarded the Flawless Moisturiser Intense a three-star review because they noticed "no real difference" to their skin. They said: "Seven days of using this moisturiser and I've noticed no real difference. I'm disappointed as it was reviewed as a great cream for dry skin." Dr Sam's also understands that trying new skincare can be daunting. That's why they offer a Happiness Pledge - if you're not delighted within 60 days, they'll make it right or give you a full refund, no questions asked. For more information or to buy the Flawless Moisturiser Intense, head to the Dr Sam's website. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I lost my husband, 31, to a rare cancer but gave birth to his baby two years later – I still grieve for all he's missing
Mum Charlotte opens up about the moment she finally felt joy again after losing her husband to cancer LOVE LOST I lost my husband, 31, to a rare cancer but gave birth to his baby two years later – I still grieve for all he's missing CRADLING her newborn son, Charlotte Eiler can't notice his striking resemblance he has to his dad. But while most dads would be proud to boast about their similarities, Sam wasn't at the birth of Elijah and is nowhere to be seen now his son has arrived. Advertisement 10 Charlotte Eiler was devastated when she lost her husband Sam in 2022 Credit: Jam Press/Charlotte Eiler 10 But she welcomed his son two years after Sam's death using his frozen sperm Credit: Jam Press/Charlotte Eiler 10 Sam lost his life to an agressive cancer less than two years after his diagnosis Credit: Jam Press/Charlotte Eiler In fact he will never meet his son and that's because Sam, 31, has been dead for two years. Determined to have her husband's baby, Charlotte used Sam's frozen sperm to conceive her son Elijah, who she describes as her late partner's 'twin'. The 34-year-old mum was left heartbroken when Sam discovered a cancerous lump on his neck in 2020 which sadly spread to multiple organs. Before passing away, the pair agreed to freeze his sperm in case treatment affected his fertility. Advertisement The former yoga teacher went through three embryo transfers until she fell pregnant; and says little Elijah, now one, makes her feel like Sam is still around. 'Sometimes when I look at Elijah when he's playing alone and laughs it's like Sam is there,' she says. 'I gave birth to our baby boy at home. 'I had pictures of Sam all around me and I felt him there. Advertisement 'I don't think I could have done it without him.' Charlotte, from Gothenburg, Sweden, recorded her late husband's voice and regularly plays it for Elijah to help create a bond. I made a baby with my dead son's sperm after he died and now his daughter is one and the spitting image of him He's started to say 'dad' whenever he sees a photo of Sam. The recording also brings back happy memories of when the pair met at a house party in 2015. Advertisement Charlotte says: 'Sam comes from Australia and had just been travelling and ended up coming to Sweden where he had a few friends. 'He decided to stay and started working at a gym. 'We had an instant connection, he was completely different from anyone I'd met before. 'Not only was he absolutely gorgeous, he was charming, charismatic and very down to earth. Advertisement 'His Australian accent made it impossible for me not to fall head over heels in love with him, and fast. 'It didn't take long until we knew we were each other's perfect partner.' 10 The couple were inseparable from the moment they met at a house party in 2015 Credit: Jam Press/Charlotte Eiler 10 The pair married on the Swedish coast in January 2021 Credit: Jam Press/Charlotte Eiler Advertisement 10 Before his death Sam had frozen his sperm in his Australia and Charlotte travelled there for IVF Credit: Jam Press/Charlotte Eiler Charlotte and Sam lived an active and exciting life together, with commuting between Sweden and Australia for his job as a physiotherapist. She said: 'Sam was all about adventure, anything involving a board or any kind of skis and he was down for it. 'He wanted to see the world and always had a new dream destination in mind. Advertisement 'Sam loved a social setting and he could make a connection with anyone. 'I don't know anyone with as many friends as Sam. 'He was a physiotherapist and worked for the Swedish alpine team. Soon after he passed away I knew I wanted to make our dream of a family come true Charlotte Eiler 'He was over the moon about the job and only started a couple of months before his diagnosis.' Advertisement The couple became engaged in July 2020 – but a few months later, Sam discovered the lump on his neck. Charlotte said: 'There are many unknowns regarding Sam's cancer. 'In rare cases, it's not possible to determine where the illness had started, his was one of them.' At the time of diagnosis the couple discovered it had spread to multiple organs, Sam started chemotherapy but it was unsuccessful. Advertisement 'We knew from the start that it was serious so we decided we didn't want to hear the prognosis,' Charlotte says. 'We knew we had a journey ahead and we didn't want anyone to tell us how long Sam had left. 'We were going to get through it, there are so many stories out there of people who healed the seemingly impossible, we believed Sam was going to be one of them. 'He cared about our future and he knew we wanted a family. Advertisement 'We spoke frequently about our future children, including picking out names and how we wanted to raise them.' The couple got married on the Swedish coast in January 2021 and just over a year later on 17th April 2022, Sam sadly passed away at home. Charlotte said: 'It's still completely surreal to me that he isn't here. What is IVF? In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a fertility treatment to help women get pregnant. Eggs are fertilised with sperm in a laboratory and the embryo is placed in the womb. A full cycle of IVF takes around three to six weeks to complete. It usually follows six steps, depending on the type of treatment you're having. You use an injection or nasal spray every day for two to three weeks to stop your ovaries producing eggs naturally. You'll have an ultrasound scan to check if the medicine has worked. Once your ovaries are no longer producing eggs, you'll inject yourself every day for two weeks with medicine that increases your egg supply. You'll have tests or scans to check how well it's working. A doctor at the clinic collects your eggs using a needle inserted through your vagina. This takes around 20 minutes and you'll be offered medicine that makes you sleepy (a sedative). Your partner is asked to give a sperm sample in a private room, usually while your eggs are being collected. If you're using donor sperm, it will be ready in the laboratory. The eggs are fertilised with the sperm in a laboratory. The clinic will call you the next day to let you know how many embryos have been made and how many they might be able to use. After a few days, an embryo is put in your womb using a thin tube inserted through your vagina. If you have more than one embryo, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of putting in more than one embryo. If any suitable embryos are left over, they may be frozen for future IVF attempts. The clinic will discuss this with you and let you know about any additional costs, such as embryo storage. Source: NHS 'He is loved and missed by so many. Advertisement 'But soon after he passed away I knew I wanted to make our dream of a family come true. 'I also knew I needed a lot of time to get myself ready for that journey.' In autumn that same year Charlotte travelled to Australia where Sam's sperm was frozen to begin IVF. Her first two embryo transfers were unsuccessful. Advertisement 'I had little confidence it was going to work,' she says. 'I decided this third time would be the last before taking a break from IVF.' Then in April 2023, a year after she had lost Sam, Charlotte finally received the news she had been hoping for. 'I'll never forget the nurse on the other end of the phone saying 'well done, you're pregnant',' Charlotte says. Advertisement 'I was in shock, I could barely get a word out. 'It was the first time since Sam had passed away that I felt joy again.' But while Charlotte was delighted to be expecting she admits that going through it alone was a tough journey. "Going through pregnancy was hard – you need your person," she admits. Advertisement "I felt Sam closely though and he motivated me to find strength physically and emotionally. 10 On her third round of IVF Charlotte became pregnant with Sam's child Credit: Jam Press/Charlotte Eiler 10 Charlotte admits that she found her pregnancy difficult without Sam Credit: Jam Press/Charlotte Eiler 10 Elijah was born on 11th January 2024 with Charlotte describing him as Sam's 'twin' Credit: Jam Press/Charlotte Eiler Advertisement "Knowing that I'd have a piece of Sam in my arms again was worth every minute of going through it on my own." Elijah was born on 11th January 2024. "I broke down in tears as soon as I got to hold Elijah for the first time," Charlotte says. "We formed such a strong bond straight away. Advertisement "I thought we'd have a girl and once I found out it was a boy I thought Sam had sent me another little man to fall head over heels in love with, just like I did with him." Charlotte says she has had nothing but support from her loved ones since welcoming Elijah. "I had incredible support both in family and friends," she says. I'm grieving for him and everything he is missing, I do strongly believe, though, that he is always right here beside us Charlotte Eiler "My mum had flown over from Sweden to attend the birth which was beautiful for both of us. Advertisement "I love that my mum got to be such a big part of the journey and has remained my biggest support person since. "Family and friends were all thrilled to find out that I had made the decision to have our baby knowing it was a dream of Sam's. "After finding out the news a friend commented 'this decision feels like the most natural thing, you were always meant to start a family'. "Elijah has brought back light and joy in so many people's lives." Advertisement Right now, she's basking in motherhood; but grieves that she and Sam aren't taking on this next chapter together. She adds: 'Sam loved babies and he would never hesitate to pick up his mates' or sisters' kids. 'He was a natural. 'I think he would've been such a funny and loving dad. Advertisement 'I know he'd be surfing or taking Elijah adventuring in the snow at this very minute if he could – they would've been best friends. 'Not being able to witness Sam as a dad adds a whole new layer to my grief. 'I'm grieving for him and everything he is missing. 'I do strongly believe, though, that he is always right here beside us.' Advertisement
The Irish Sun
04-08-2025
- The Irish Sun
At 53 I've turned back time on my neck, jaw & eyes to avoid surgery – these are non-negotiables & one's on sale in Boots
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. SKIN WIN At 53 I've turned back time on my neck, jaw & eyes to avoid surgery – these are non-negotiables & one's on sale in Boots A GLAM 53-year-old has revealed her miracle skincare routine and tools she swears by to keep surgery at bay. TikToker Nadia Bekar, known as @NadiaBekar, wowed fans with her youthful looks as she explained how she's held off going under the knife by sticking to a few 'non-negotiables'. 2 A 53-year-old shared how she avoided going under the knife Credit: Tiktok/ @nadiabekar 2 Nadia Bekar was able to turn back time on her neck, jaw & eyes Credit: Tiktok/ @nadiabekar Sharing her age-defying secrets with over 90,000 of her followers, Nadia said: 'I'm not against surgery, but I want to hold it off as long as possible and I feel like I've done quite a good job.' The beauty fan says her jawline is still 'very streamlined', her upper eyelids are 'not too bad' and she's 'turned back time' on her neck, all without cosmetic procedures. And her biggest rule is to invest in good skincare. 'You've got to throw some money at skincare, especially your active ingredients,' she said. 'Don't be scared of that. Your non-negotiables are: a good vitamin C serum, vitamin A and a strong SPF.' One of her top picks is the La Roche-Posay Vitamin C12 Anti-Wrinkle and Radiance Serum, which she calls 'a great high street option' . Right now, it's £31.50 at Boots, down from £45, saving shoppers £13.50. Nadia also raves about Medik8, saying she 'makes no secret' of loving the brand. She uses their vitamin C serums, SPF, and even their physical sunscreens for daily protection. But skincare alone isn't enough, Nadia insists on incorporating powerful treatments too. I hated my wrinkled skin, so I spent £4k to have the top layer taken off, people can't believe I'm the same person 'Microneedling is a non-negotiable. Whether you do it at home or in a clinic, it's clinically proven to give results,' she told viewers. And she's not wrong. Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves tiny sterile needles penetrating the skin to trigger controlled healing. This stimulates regeneration, renews structural collagen fibres, and strengthens elastin, helping to tighten, smooth and revive the skin over time. One cutting-edge option now used in clinics across the UK is the XCellarisPro Twist, a precision microneedling device with an adjustable needle depth of 0.25mm to 2.5mm. Designed to treat everything from acne scars and fine lines to pigmentation and enlarged pores, it offers a minimally invasive way to restore smoother, younger-looking skin across the face and body. Treatments last between 30 to 60 minutes, with results building gradually over a course of sessions. Most people experience a bit of redness or flaking for a few days afterwards, but full recovery is typically seen within a week. Prices for microneedling start from £150 per session, depending on the clinic. While results vary, Nadia showed off her own transformation with visible improvements to her neck that she says left her more confident than ever. 'These things work, just remember, everyone's results will vary depending on their skin type and condition.' Another game-changer in her routine is a radio frequency device that combines microcurrent and infusion technology. She says the results on her neck in just four weeks were incredible. Showing off her before-and-after photos, Nadia added: 'I can actually say I'm confident with my neck for the first time in my life.' Experts agree that visible signs of ageing, like sagging, fine lines and dullness, tend to show up in your 30s and 40s, which is when anti-ageing measures should start. Regular SPF use, retinol (vitamin A), and skin-brightening vitamin C can make a huge difference when used consistently. And with powerful serums like La Roche-Posay's now on sale, it's the perfect time to stock up.
