Cult-favourite and female-founded brand Sunday Riley has landed at John Bell & Croyden and we adore their stand-out skincare solutions. We chatted with Sunday herself and got the lowdown on her beauty secrets, inspiration and what's ahead for this new year.
What is the inspiration behind the brand?
I used to meet a lot of people and the first thing they would do is apologise for their appearance. It brought to my attention how self-conscious people are about their skin and how much they think it impacts what other people think of them. The reality is that other people aren’t thinking about your skin, but the perception is that they are... This is what initially drew me to the world of skincare.
Can you tell me about your recent BCORP Certification and what BCORP means?
Over the course of the last two years, B Corp has evaluated both the internal and external social and environmental impacts of every aspect of our business. The B Corp certification process is lengthy and arduous, considering everything from environmental impact, brand values, and company culture. We are proud to be recognised by B Corp for our conscious efforts to use as a force for good, influencing positive change wherever we have a corporate presence as well as our commitment to minimising our impact on the environment.
What’s your No.1 selling product?
Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment has been our global best seller since launch 11 years ago, it is also one of my own personal all time favourites.
What does your morning and evening skincare routine look like?
Morning:
Wash my face with a dollop of Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip and remove with a warm, wet washcloth.
Spritz Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence over my face and neck, letting it sink in for just about 30 seconds followed by 1-2 pumps of Good Genes; my resurfacing duo.
Next I love to mix 2 pumps of Sunday Riley CEO Vitamin C serum and about 3-4 drops of Sunday Riley CEO Glow Vitamin C Face Oil together and massage into my skin.
Make coffee (of course!). Answer emails.
Apply Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream, Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Cream, and then sunscreen.
Evening:
Wash my face with Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip followed by an evening spritz of Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence.
Apply 2-3 pumps of Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum followed by 2 drops of Sunday Riley Luna (love this retinol combination!).
Finish with Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream which locks in the hydration.
What are the ingredients that everyone should incorporate into their skincare routine?
I always say there are three ingredients you need in your skincare routine (we call them the Power of 3): an alpha-hydroxy acid, a vitamin C, and a retinol. These three ingredients are essential for healthy, glowing skin. I always recommend Good Genes, CEO Serum, and either our Luna Sleeping Night Oil or A+ serum for those that want something a little stronger.
Many people suffer from rosacea and eczema. Which anti-ageing products would you recommend the most for this type of skin?
For an anti-ageing regime, I would start with our A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum. It contains a powerful and safe blend of 5% retinoid ester blend, 1% liposomal-encapsulated retinol, and 0.5% blue-green algae with a natural, retinoid -alternative activity. The serum fights the signs of ageing and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while smoothing skin texture and reducing the appearance of surface redness. I balance the formulation with soothing botanicals like Hawaiian white honey, bisabolol, cactus extract, and ginger to balance, hydrate, calm and soothe the skin.
What makes Sunday Riley different from other beauty brands?
Rather than focusing on what is trending in the industry, we create products that fill a “void” in the market. When working on a new formula I like to take both new and existing technology and ingredients (like ceramides) and figure out how I can make them work better. As CEO and product formulator, I am very hands-on throughout the entire development process. From formulating, to packaging, and to marketing, it is important to me to be involved in every step when launching a new product. We also pride ourselves on being a brand that’s powered by science and balanced by botanicals, our formulations work efficiently, they’re high-tech, and you see results right away.
Can you mix any of your products and do you have any recommendations?
Most definitely and it’s one of my favourite things to do. You can mix a few products together in the palm of your hand and apply like a cocktail, instead of waiting for each layer to dry – particularly if you are in a time crunch. I particularly enjoy mixing our C.E.O range!
Can you tell us about any exciting launches you have coming up?
In 2020 we launched products in categories that were new to us like our Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum and Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence. I am excited to do the same in 2021...!