I’d like to start by saying that I rarely use moisturiser in the morning. It seems an odd thing to say, I know, considering that beauty experts are always saying that hydration is the most important factor in skin health, but hear me out. You see, my skin is naturally oily, meaning that thick skincare products often leave me facing breakouts. After cleansing in the morning, I reach for a vitamin C serum and follow with a cream SPF (which tends to deliver ample hydration for my skin). In the evenings, when vitamin C and SPF aren’t necessary, I use a lightweight moisturiser.
But recently, a day moisturiser has come my way that has forced me to totally rejig my routine. I have followed the same skincare formula for years, and I have never met a day cream that could convince me out of my regimen. Not until Sunday Riley C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream came along anyway.
I have previously tested Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream, and I liked it. In fact, I have friends who consider it to be one of the best skincare products they have ever used. Personally, however, I would always choose a hardworking vitamin C serum over a rich face cream that risks breaking me out. And while Rich Hydration Cream wasn’t quite for me, Afterglow is a different story entirely.
For starters, the texture is light. On first look it seems just like any other cream moisturiser, but as soon as you start massaging it into skin, it turns into a cooling, lightweight gel that’s so refreshing its reminiscent of splashing your face with cool water. Beyond that though, it packs an impressive antioxidant punch. Formulated with an oil-stable form of vitamin C, THD ascorbate, it helps to protect skin against damage caused by external aggressors such as UV rays and pollution—just like my go-to vitamin C serums.
The thing that really convinced me to switch out my usual serums for this cream, however, is its glowing punch. It leaves skin looking luminous and radiant without delivering any sort of discoball-esque shimmer. It contains a very gently exfoliating lime pearl extract to brighten skin while it hydrates and protects. Essentially, the ingredients list of this moisturiser is so impressive that, as a skincare snob, I’m more than happy to forgo my usual favourites in favour of it. I just slather it on, pop my SPF on over the top, and I feel like I’m good to go. I don’t even feel tempted to put any makeup on. If you want my brutally honest opinion, save your money on vitamin C serums three times the price and go for this glow-boosting moisturiser instead.
Next up, everyone I know with amazing skin uses this one scientific product.
