Sunday Riley is here in the UK! This cult US brand has a lot of classics and their Good Genes serum undeniably one of them! I have been very interested in Sunday Riley but since it’s a luxury brand, it comes with luxury prices so I have been hesitant to try it. I was finally able to purchase some of their stuff because I discovered the Flash Kit on Beautylish and through the GlossyBox X Sunday Riley Limited Edition. Anyway let’s get into this review
Good Genes is essentially a lactic acid treatment (7%) enriched with liquorice root and lemongrass. They promise healthier, smoother skin, exfoliation and tackling hyperpigmentation fine lines and wrinkles.
Experience
So I have to say, my first ever experience with lactic acid was a fail. I tried the Lactic acid 5% serum from the Ordinary and I hated the scent! Since then I have been put off but when I saw the Flash Kit I decided to give it another try. I am happy to report Good Genes has a pleasant scent! I also experienced no irritation or stinging with the serum.
This is a lotion textured serum and easily sinks into the skin. I used it after my Pixi glow tonic and used MAP afterwards. This serum is amazing! It gives instant radiance and leaves my skin so plump and smooth. It also hydrates. It left my skin looking healthier and more radiant over the days I was using it. I have the deluxe mini size (8ml) and used 2-3 pumps over my face and neck. It lasted just a little over a week. I didn’t see any difference in hyperpigmentation but also wasn’t expecting to see that in a week of using the serum
It’s worth noticing you cannot purchase Good Genes Lactic Acid serum here in the UK, they have reformulated this to a Glycolic acid treatment 10% for the UK market. Caroline Hirons has an in-depth video on this. It’s something to do with EU laws on acids.
Verdict
I can understand the hype regarding this product and why it is loved. It’s almost making me reconsider lactic acids and I want to give the 10% serum from the Ordinary a chance. It plumped, brightened and hydrated in the week I was using it and I have no doubts if I used it longer it would tackle my hyperpigmentation.
In terms of the full-size price, whilst this is a good serum I still think it’s very overpriced. $105 for 30ml? I have no interest in the Good Genes Glycolic acid treatment (I love Glycolic acid but I prefer it as a toner but if it comes in a set I may try it) so I may just repurchase the Flash kit to get the lactic acid treatment. If you want the lactic acid version you would have to order it online.
Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid treatment is available in the US and via Beautylish to the UK
Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment is available in the UK
Sunday Riley has been in hot water after admitting they have a lot of fake reviews on their website. Personally, I love this serum but there is another serum I have from them which I absolutely did not like! A full review on that will be up soon!
sarah fynn 