Sunday Riley: Is it worth the hype?
I've been hearing some buzz from beauty bloggers and faithful Sephora-holics alike about the company Sunday Riley. While out and about at my local Sephora picking up some "much needed" items, I was able to pick up the Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment sample as a 100-point perk. I've grown quite a skin care collection from various professional and non professional sources, and am always seeking the miracle routine to fabulous skin!
Now lets talk the sample (approx 5 mL) this baby gave me about a weeks worth of morning and nighttime use, and I was hooked! My skin was glowing! to the point were people were asking me for my ID again (was this my holy grail?!)
After a little bit of company research and some Sephora review searching I decided to by the Power Couple Sunday Riley kit, which contains two cult fav's the Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment and Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil. Both are smaller versions then the full size, but way more economical! The kit alone cost me $102 but when compared to the full sizes are a steal!
Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment// $141 for 30 mL OR $175 for 50 mL
What is it?
Good Genes is a lactic acid treatment, that when used consistently can even skin tone by reducing dark spots, plumping the look of lines, and helping with hyperpigmentation through gentle exfoliation.
Lactic acid treatment serums are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) derived from milk! Hence the lactic part. Essentially AHA’s are a great alternative to manual exfoliants and strong exfoliating liquids (like those in chemical peels) Overall lactic acids tend to be gentler and help to exfoliate the surface of the skin and help improve overall skin appearance, texture and tone..
How to use:
Ideally you are supposed to use 1-2 pumps of product according to brand, I however, tend to use 2-3 (maybe I have a big head). This product can be used day and night, prior to the rest of your makeup regime. Just don’t forget the SPF! You do however want to let it sit for about 3 minutes or so for it to work it's "magic”
Thoughts:
Firstly, it does have a love it or leave it scent. It contains Licorice (which helps hyperpigmentation), Lemongrass (for radiance) and lastly Aloe (to help soothe the skin). So all in all, it has a citrusy scent.
Now my skin! My goodness, pretty much near instant glow within 2 uses! Which in the skincare world is nearly instant. My skin looks more supple and plump from using this, my pores seem to have shrunk in size and any redness I had near my nose is gone! Lastly, my makeup has been going on much smoother since using this product (Wins all around!)
After a week of religious Good Genes only usage, I decided to take the plunge and buy the Power Couple kit which incorporates the following...
Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil// $62 for 15 mL OR $131 for 30 mL
What is it?
A next-generation retinol oil that boosts the look and feel of skin plumpness, while improving the appearance of wrinkles, redness, and pores for visibly younger-looking skin.
Retinol, also known as vitamin A, is the most effective anti-aging ingredient that can be topically applied to the skin to turn back the hands of time (clinically proven by the FDA). This, as with anything, has to come at some cost - typically in the form of irritation and peeling. Retinoids, however, are a milder form of vitamin A that provide significantly less irritation to the skin than pure retinol.
How to use:
Apply as needed to clean skin (if using Good Genes wait 5 minutes for Luna to sink in then apply Good Genes)
Given that this product is in the retinol family you want to use this product at night only, and if you are preggo this product is a no-no! Since it contains blue azulene (the same blue oil in at-home waxing kits) and blue tansy’s it has a very blue hue when applied, which is supposed to aid the user in how much you need to work the product in.
Additionally both ingredients contain antibacterial, antihistamine, and general anti-inflammatory properties, which in turn have a skin-calming and reaction-soothing effect.
Thoughts:
I must admit, even with hearing how blue the product was, I still wasn't prepared before applying it myself. Only 2-3 drops are needed but it took 10-20 seconds of gently patting and massaging into my skin for the color to dissipate. The scent of this product reminds me of a strong cup of chamomile tea (you will either love it or hate it) I did love the blend of other essential oils and how moisturized my skin felt!
Overall, I highly recommend this set to anyone, and I say set because I’ve been using both products together so I really can’t pinpoint if one is doing most of the work or not. Together they’re amazing and it’s honestly a better deal if you buy them together. I know this isn't as affordable as some of the other products out there but it really is worth its weight in gold!
Lastly, you can always hit up your local Sephora and try to grab a sample to try at home!
xoAmanda
Interested in try out the brand? Click here for all the products offered