Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Serum was one of the things that rescued my chin from a bad bout of hormonal acne a couple years ago, so even though her plant-based skin care stuff is kind of expensive, I keep an open mind about her products because of the good things Good Genes did for my chin.
At SpaceNK a while back with my friend Mary (who has amazing skin), I was just getting into my usual “Good Genes saved my life!” spiel when Mary said that she had a great experience with the Sunday Riley face cleansers.
That’s all it took! I started using their Ceramic Slip and Charisma Creme Cleaners later that day, and now I know why Mary raved.
Ceramic Slip
Ceramic Slip, a gel-based cleanser with French clay, is for normal and combo skin. The clay is supposed to tighten pores and remove impurities, while vitamin C ester is supposed to make your pores, wrinkles and discoloration less noticeable.
I have sometimes oily, sometimes dry combination skin, and on the days when my skin is oilier, my face loves this stuff. When I wash with it in the morning, more skin feels tighter, and my pores don’t appear to be as “in yo’ face.” My skin also doesn’t feel dry or uncomfortable after using it.
A 4.25-oz. bottle costs $45, which, I know, is expensive for a cleanser, but you can stretch it out. I shake the bottle, then dole out half a pump for my entire face, massage that in (it doesn’t foam up), and then rinse with water.
Ingredients
-Refined French Green Clay: Tightens pores, removes impurities, and infuses skin with vital minerals.
-Vitamin C: Helps reduce the appearance of large pores, wrinkles, and discoloration while stimulating collagen growth.
-Black Pepper: Stimulates circulation for naturally warming cellular revitalization.
-Sandalwood: An anti-microbial agent that helps with skin irritation, inflammation, allergic conditions, and eczema; promotes radiance.Jasmine, Frankincense.
FYI, the scent is something you’re probably either going to love or hate… I call it grassy and earthy, and I like it, but you might want to get a sample first to see how you feel about it.
$45 for a 4.25-oz. bottle. Available now at SpaceNK, Sephora and online.
Charisma Creme Cleanser
Charisma Creme Cleanser, Sunday Riley’s cleanser for dry and normal skin types, is the one I use at night. The blend of milk, acai, aloe and fruit acids is designed to cleanse and soften skin while increasing collagen production and restoring elasticity.
Like Ceramic Slip, the formula doesn’t foam when you wash with it, and a little goes a long way (I use half a pump of this too). It’s milky and feels like a thin lotion.
Ingredients
Lipid Blend Cocos Nucifera Oil, Glycerin, Emulsifying Wax NF, Palm Stearic Acid, Xanthan Gum Mannan, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid
When my skin feels dry, it guzzles this stuff. This one has a milder fragrance than Ceramic Slip does — like chamomile tea and milk — which might sound like an odd combo, but it works for me.
$45 for a 4.25-oz. bottle. Available now at SpaceNK, Sephora and online.
I’ve started to see Sunday Riley carried in more and more stores. I used to have to order it online or drive down to SpaceNK in Larkspur to find them, but now I see the brand available at sephora.com and select Sephora stores, including the one in my town.
Next time you hit up a Sephora or SpaceNK, ask for a sample. You might just fall in love.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Vijaya says
I’ve never been to SpaceNK. I Thought I’d heard there was one in NYC, though.
Kelly B. says
I’m really excited to see that this brand is becoming more known & available in the US, I think they use a lot of really awesome ingredients in their products!
Lauren says
I’ve never heard of this brand, but would like to try it after your review. I’m on the hunt for anything to help with my 90s tanning booth damage! Of course the only thing I’ve tried and love, love, love is $200!! I had a sample, so $45 sounds fantastic!
Kiss & Make-up says
I don’t think I’ve ever seen the brand. Sounds interesting though.
LindaLibraLoca says
The SR Ceramic Slip Cleanser is my morning cleanse for more than two years, and I have never strayed (for long) because it is just so good! The Good Genes is a firm favorite, too, I like the effect so much I keep on using it even though the smell is horrible!
Isabella says
This brand seams amazing. I’ve been wanting to try the oil Juno for the longest time! I’t just a bit out of my price range at the moment though.. 🙁
Erin says
Good Genes is is amazing. I’m about to review it!
Sara says
I’ve been curious about the good genes serum. Do you think it’s worth the $? I’ve been using Estée Lauder ANR serum for a few months- can’t tell if I love it yet! I have acne prone combination skin that’s sometimes very oily but can get dry. So if you recommend the good genes serum
I might just do it! All of your skincare recommendations that I have tried- I’ve loved so I always like to see what you think! I’ve been using the Clinique mild clarifying lotion for years since you recommend it. And Kate Somerville anti bac.
Hope you had a good weekend! I’m enjoying the last bits of Sunday reading your latest posts and watching brothers & sisters on Hulu with a (large) glass of wine;)