Interview with Hello Sunshine: How Eileen’s personal battle with acne helped her launch Tulura

Read the original article on Hello Sunshine, a media brand founded by Reese Witherspoon.

We’ve been catching up with inspiring female founders across every industry each week on Instagram, and this week, we’re highlighting Eileen Feighny, the founder of Tulura. We caught up with Eileen to learn how her own battle with cystic acne led her to start Tulura, the biggest misconception about facial oil, and more.

How did your experience working in the fashion industry lead you to start Tulura?

I started working as a model at a very young age. After almost two decades working I became allergic to everything in commercial makeup and skin care and battled severe acneic issues. I was very good at hiding them, sometimes I’d wear bandaids to castings or tell agents I had a spider bite as my cystic acne became so bad.

After battling my cystic acne and skin issues for years, I realized my dream through my personal issues with my skin. It is a sensitive subject for so many people, and I wanted to find a way to help.

What’s the most common misconception about facial oil?

That they will make your skin oily. There are many different types of oils, some better for aging skin, some better for acneic skin types. Finding the right blend will do wonders for your skin.

Tip: Make sure your skin is properly hydrated before applying any facial oil to the skin. I love the Tulura Vitamin Peptide Serum. Packed with hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, anti-aging and pigment-fighting Lactic Acid and rejuvenating Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid, it’s a gentle formula perfect for every day and night use.

For someone who is new to skincare, what three products should they have in their medicine cabinet?

Cleanser is the most important step in your routine.

  1. Tulura Botanical Oil Cleanser
  2. A hydrating hydrosol mist from Plant Therapy or Heritage
  3. The Duo by Tulura

Describe your “a-ha” moment in your career?

Our Tulura Duo is a total a-ha moment. After years of drying out my acneic skin with harsh toners and then slathering on heavy creams to combat the dehydration, I started working with a chemist to create the Tulura Vitamin Peptide Serum and the Tulura Botanical Facial Oils. This provides the skin with true moisture. You’ll feel and see a difference your first day of use.

"So much is expected of women these days, we can do it all but it doesn't mean we have to do it all."

How can women support other women?

Be there for each other, lend a hand, support whenever you can, and stay above the fray, always.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another female entrepreneur?

When I first started getting into skincare, my dear friend and confidant Nam Vo once told me: “Do as many facials as you can to start, you have to pay your dues”. Work hard for what you want. There’s simply no other way to do it.

But, be gentle with yourself while working hard. So much is expected of women these days, we can do it all but it doesn’t mean we have to do it all. Take time for yourself and nourish your body and soul! It’s all about balance.

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