Is Sunday Riley for me?

Sunday Riley – what does the brand name mean to you? High end? Niche? A bit of a treat to splurge on now and again? Those are some of the thoughts I had about this scientifically inspired skincare range that’s formulated with plant extracts.

Sunday is not only the founder of the brand but also formulates the products which reflect her philosophy that results should be fast and visible. Her products are designed to produce both immediate and long-term effects.  Some of her products featured time and again on my social media feeds and so when I recently found myself needing to replace my cleansing balm I thought it was time I gave the Blue Moon Tranquility Clean Rinse Cleansing Balm (£46) a go. Sunday Riley doesn’t ship directly from the US so I looked to one of my favourite stores, Space NK to get my hands on it.

I’ve been using balm cleansers for some time now. I love that they dissolve all your makeup without being harsh and then leave your skin ready for a second cleanse. I’ve tried a few different ones and prefer those that are smooth without any scrub or exfoliation elements. I suppose that I should have checked further than I did but the blurb that I found on-site and in reviews didn’t mention that this does have scrub-type particles in it.

The balm is described as balancing skincare that calms the complexion and that it melts into a milky texture upon application. The base does melt in nicely but the particles remain. Don’t get me wrong, that doesn’t mean that I’m not enjoying using the balm. It’s fragrant and makes my skin feel great I just feel that I didn’t get what I was looking to purchase.

Ingredients include German chamomile, natural beeswax,  cocoa and moringa butters, and essential oils that soothe, hydrate, and melt away make-up residue and environmental impurities from the skin. 

So, even though Blue Moon hadn’t turned out to be quite what I was looking for, I had a lot of feedback from friends and followers to say how much they love the brand and many of them said that I should try the Ceramic Slip Cleanser (£28).  I heard a bit of a discussion too about how there had been a change of formula and texture and that some weren’t sure they liked the change whilst others were wowed. The hype sucked me in again and I really felt that I had been missing out too long on the wonders of the Sunday Riley brand and when my second cleanse product ran out I headed straight for Space NK again to get myself a tube of Ceramic Slip.

For my second cleanse I like a foaming cleanser and, having been a little misled with the balm purchase I checked the blurb properly and read that it is a foaming cleanser. Well, I suppose I should have checked by asking specifically “if you live in London with hard water will the ceramic slip cleanser foam?” Because there isn’t the slightest hint of any foam when I use it. It’s an odd texture, a milky opaque substance that I apply on a wet muslin or flannel and then rinse off again with a cloth. It feels great as a follow-up to Blue Moon and I can’t say I’m disappointed with it as a skincare product It’s just that, well,  it’s a foaming cleanser that doesn’t foam. Add that to the melting balm that doesn’t completely melt. You see where I’m going here?

Ingredients wise it contains a blend of four plant-based soaps, that cleanse without damaging or drying the skin; french clay and rice oil esters help to protect from dehydration, to clarify, smooth, soothe and balance. The result is nourished skin that’s visibly softer and more balanced.

I came away from Space Nk with some samples too so I have CEO C + E Micro Dissolve Cleansing Oil, C+E Antioxidant Protect + Repair Moisturiser, Luna Sleeping Night Oil, and Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream to try. So, it has to be said that I haven’t completed my Sunday Riley exploratory journey yet. But I’m not certain that I’ll be buying more full-size products without doing some really intensive research first. Just to make sure that what I buy does exactly what it says on the tin.

Are you a Sunday Riley lover? What are your favourite products? I’d love to hear from you.

Hazel