Discovering Sunday Riley- My solid skincare routine upgrade
Explore our in-depth reviews of Sunday Riley’s top skincare products, carefully curated to help you achieve radiant, healthy skin.
My Skincare Journey
If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for the best routine in skincare. Enter Sunday Riley, a brand that has captured my heart (and my bathroom shelf) with its commitment to clean beauty, cruelty-free products, and sustainability. I knew I had to upgrade my skincare routine from just cleansers and moisturizers so I’ve been on quite an experimental journey.
As someone who’s dived deep into Sunday Riley’s product lineup, let me tell you, they get my clean beauty vibe. Their stuff is all about natural, top-notch ingredients, minus all the yucky stuff like parabens and synthetic fragrances. It’s like they read my mind when formulating their products, catering to all of us in the 25 to 55 age range.
And can we talk about their stance on animal testing? Major props! Knowing their products are cruelty-free just gives me even more confidence in recommending them to you guys. As an animal lover, she’s been cruelty-free since the inception of her brand.
Oh, and sustainability? Sunday Riley’s been on it! They’re all about minimizing their impact on the planet, from sourcing ingredients responsibly to using eco-friendly packaging. They’ve been ticking all the boxes and continue to innovate in their packaging
My Top Sunday Riley Products
Why Sunday Riley?
With years of experience in the skincare industry, I’ve tried and tested countless products. Sunday Riley stands out for its innovative formulations and effective results. From locking in hydration to brightening dark spots, these products have transformed my skincare routine. Check out why I’ve fallen in love with some of their standout products in my late 20s
My #1 Pick
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream
★★★★★
Let me start with the Sunday Riley C.E.O. Afterglow—a total dream for anyone wanting to brighten and hydrate their skin. Packed with Vitamin C (THD Ascorbate), it’s like a magic eraser for dark spots and leaves your skin firm and youthful. The turmeric oil is perfect for soothing and protecting, while evening primrose oil and ginger root extract moisturize and improve texture. This brightening cream has been my go-to for a lasting glowy complexion for the last 3 years!
Pros:
- Antioxidant Protection: Provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors.
- Brightening: Effectively brightens the skin and reduces the appearance of dark spots.
- Hydration: Offers a gel-cream texture that hydrates without feeling heavy.
- Radiant Finish: Leaves the skin with a natural, healthy glow.
- Non-greasy: Lightweight and absorbs well, suitable for most skin types.
Cons:
- Sensitive Skin Caution: Vitamin C can cause irritation in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin.
- Stability Concerns: As with many Vitamin C products, there can be issues with stability and potency over time.
- Price: May be considered expensive compared to other Vitamin C products on the market.
Sunday Riley Be Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum
★★★★★
Next up, we’ve got the Be Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum. This serum is a must for minimizing pores and balancing oil production. Niacinamide works its magic by reducing redness and irritation, while zinc PCA controls oil and maintains moisture. With squalane for lightweight hydration, your skin will feel smooth and nourished. It’s a must-have for anyone dealing with oily or combination skin which is always an issue for my skin around that time of the month.
Pros:
- Oil Regulation: Effectively regulates oil production, making it ideal for oily or combination skin types.
- Pore Minimization: Helps to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, leading to a smoother complexion.
- Anti-inflammatory: Niacinamide soothes skin and reduces redness, beneficial for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
- Barrier Support: Strengthens the skin’s barrier function, improving overall skin health.
- Lightweight Formula: Absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
Cons:
- Potential Sensitivity: Some individuals may experience sensitivity or irritation, particularly if used with other active ingredients.
- Dry Skin Consideration: May not provide sufficient hydration for very dry skin types unless paired with a moisturizer.
Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Cream
★★★★★
For those of us who need a little extra help in the morning, the Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Cream is a lifesaver. Caffeine and Brazilian ginseng root extract tackle puffiness and dark circles like pros. With horse chestnut extract and lutein, this cream brightens and protects the delicate eye area. I love how refreshed and awake it makes me look, even after a late night.
Pros:
- Depuffing: Effectively reduces puffiness around the eyes, giving a more awake and refreshed appearance.
- Brightening: Helps to diminish the appearance of dark circles, thanks to ingredients like caffeine and Brazilian ginseng.
- Hydration: Provides moisture to the delicate eye area without feeling heavy or greasy.
- Gentle Formula: Formulated to be gentle enough for the sensitive skin around the eyes, minimizing irritation.
- Quick Absorption: Lightweight formula absorbs quickly, making it easy to apply before makeup.
Cons:
- Shimmer Effect: Some users may notice a slight shimmer, which might not be suitable for everyone.
- Price Point: Considered a luxury eye cream, it may be expensive for some budgets.
- Variable Results: Effectiveness on dark circles may vary depending on individual causes (e.g., genetic vs. lifestyle-related).
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment
★★★★★
If you’re after that smooth, glowy skin look, the Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment is a game changer. Packed with lactic acid, this serum exfoliates your skin, leaving it plump and radiant. The licorice root extract brightens and fades dark spots, while lemongrass and prickly pear extracts tone and hydrate. It’s like a mini facial in a bottle, smoothing out fine lines and giving your skin that “just had a facial” glow. Perfect for when you want to look your best with minimal effort!
Pros:
- Exfoliation: Provides effective exfoliation, leaving the skin smoother and more radiant.
- Brightening: Helps to fade dark spots and improve skin tone for a more even complexion.
- Fine Lines: Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with regular use.
- Multi-tasking: Can be used as a treatment mask for a quick skin pick-me-up.
- Quick Results: Users often notice immediate improvement in skin texture and tone.
Cons:
- Potential Irritation: Lactic acid can cause irritation or sensitivity, especially for those with sensitive skin or when used too frequently.
- Not for always for daily use: Some users may need to use it less frequently to avoid over-exfoliation.
Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil
★★★
Finally, the Luna Sleeping Night Oil is one of the newer stars in my nightime routine lineup. This powerful oil contains retinol and blue tansy, which work together to smooth fine lines and calm redness. Chia seed oil and avocado seed oil provide deep hydration, ensuring I wake up with soft, glowing skin. It’s the perfect overnight treatment for achieving that glow the next morning.
Pros:
- Retinol Benefits: Contains retinol to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and improve skin texture.
- Nourishing: Enriched with blue tansy and chamomile, it soothes and calms the skin.
- Overnight Repair: Works while you sleep to rejuvenate and refresh the skin.
- Suitable for Most Skin Types: The oil formula is beneficial for dry and combination skin types, providing moisture and repair.
Cons:
- Retinol Sensitivity: Some users may experience irritation or sensitivity due to the retinol content.
- Oily Skin Consideration: The oil-based formula may not be ideal for very oily skin types.
- Sun Sensitivity: Retinol can increase sun sensitivity, so sunscreen is essential during the day.
- Price: As with other Sunday Riley products, it comes with a higher price tag.
What order should I apply my Sunday Riley Skincare products?
My Skincare Routine:
Morning Routine:
- Vitamin C Moisturizer and Serum: Start your day with a brightening Vitamin C cream or serum to protect and energize your skin, giving you a radiant complexion.
- Niacinamide Serum: Follow with a niacinamide serum to regulate oil production and minimize pores for a smooth, balanced skin tone.
- Eye Cream: Apply an eye cream to reduce puffiness and dark circles, leaving your eyes looking refreshed and awake.
- Sunscreen: Finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage and prevent premature aging.
Evening Routine:
- Lactic Acid Treatment: Begin your nighttime routine with a lactic acid treatment to exfoliate dead skin cells and refine skin texture for a glowing complexion.
- Retinol Oil: Follow with a retinol oil to smooth fine lines and improve skin tone while you sleep.
- Moisturizer: Seal in moisture and hydration with your favorite moisturizer to keep your skin soft and supple.
Sunday Riley Ingredient Breakdowns
C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream
- THD Ascorbate (Vitamin C): A stable, oil-soluble form of Vitamin C that brightens the skin, reduces the appearance of dark spots, and provides antioxidant protection against free radicals.
- Turmeric Extract: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric helps to soothe the skin, improve radiance, and even out skin tone.
- Evening Primrose Oil: Rich in essential fatty acids, this oil moisturizes and nourishes the skin, enhancing its natural barrier function and improving texture.
- Ginger Root Extract: Offers antioxidant protection and helps to calm the skin, reducing inflammation and irritation.
Be Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): A powerhouse ingredient that regulates oil production, minimizes the appearance of pores, and improves the skin’s barrier function. Niacinamide also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in reducing redness and irritation.
- Bisabolol: Derived from chamomile, bisabolol has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm and relieve irritation while also reducing redness.
- Zinc PCA: Known for its sebum-regulating properties, zinc PCA helps to control oil production, making it beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin. It also helps maintain the skin’s moisture balance and promotes a clear, healthy complexion.
- Squalane: A lightweight moisturizing agent derived from olives, squalane hydrates and softens the skin without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue. It also has antioxidant properties that protect the skin from environmental damage.
Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Cream
- Caffeine: A powerful ingredient that helps reduce puffiness and dark circles by constricting blood vessels and improving circulation around the eyes.
- Brazilian Ginseng Root Extract: Known for its brightening properties, this extract helps to reduce dark circles and improve the appearance of tired eyes.
- Horse Chestnut Extract: Provides antioxidant protection and reduces puffiness and swelling in the under-eye area.
- Lutein: A natural carotenoid that helps protect the delicate eye area from blue light and environmental damage, promoting a more youthful appearance.
Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment
- Lactic Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the surface of the skin, improving texture and tone while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Licorice Root Extract: Known for its brightening properties, licorice root helps to fade dark spots and even out skin tone.
- Lemongrass Extract: Provides astringent and toning benefits, helping to refine the appearance of pores and promote a more even complexion.
- Prickly Pear Extract: Offers antioxidant protection and soothing properties, helping to calm irritation and hydrate the skin.
Luna Sleeping Night Oil
- Retinol (Trans-Retinoic Acid Ester): A powerful anti-aging ingredient that smooths fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin texture, and enhances collagen production.
- Blue Tansy Oil: Known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, blue tansy oil helps soothe irritation and redness, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
- Chia Seed Oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, chia seed oil provides deep hydration and helps to maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.
- Avocado Seed Oil: Offers nourishing and moisturizing benefits, helping to soften and smooth the skin while providing antioxidant protection.
Why Choose Sunday Riley?
If you’re looking for a skincare brand that delivers results while aligning with clean beauty and sustainability values, give Sunday Riley a try. Their products have transformed my skincare routine, and I’m sure you’ll love them too! If you’re just starting out to build out your skincare routing, I highly recommend them because of how potent their ingredients are! You really don’t need many products and can start out with just these 4!
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