Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream Review

Sunday Riley, a brand known for technology-based skincare using active ingredients is a brand that I wanted to try for a while, not only effective but with a hefty price tag. Before diving deep and purchasing a full-size version, I picked up a sample of the Brightening Enzyme Water Cream from Cult Beauty seen in my haul here.

Since my cystic acne breakout, hyperpigmentation and dark marks is something I have been battling with for some time, I started using the water cream consistently twice a day for a month. Before I tell you if it works wonders or is just hype lets look at what it claims to do.

What is it?

The water cream is an advanced brightening treatment packed with hyaluronic acid, papaya enzyme to resurface skin while eliminating dead cells for cell turnover revealing luminous skin cells beneath, alpha arbutin and giant white bird paradise extract to brighten hyperpigmentation spots and even out skin tone. It is recommended for dehydrated skin types and has a featherlight formula which is instantly absorbed, keeping skin supple and dewy from morning to night.

I have heard of all the main ingredients except giant white bird paradise extract that claims to even out skin tone. All the other ingredients I have either individually purchased i.e. from Deciem or are part of the main skincare ingredients in my skincare products.

Skincare history

My skin is oily-combination and prone to breakouts with my t-zone being oily and my cheeks on the dry to normal range. My bad pigmentation areas are on my cheeks and chin.

Texture and smell

The product is within a normal twist lid container. The lid is matte so you have a firm grip and the bottom blue half is slightly transparent. The cream looks shimmery in the tub and is a lightweight watery gel texture, it moves when you tilt the container. The smell mentioned on my Instagram Story smells bad but I have said before I have been spilt by the Glow Recipe pink Juice Moisturiser which smells of Watermelon. When applied onto your skin it's very silky and has a lovely cooling effect.

My verdict

I use a light hand with this, only using a dab of product spread across my skin  With continued usage the smell no longer bothers me and I have seen the pigmentation on my skin fade especially on my forehead where the less serious cases are. My skin is much more noticeably glowy and my overall complexion is much evener even with my pigmentation marks. When I first used this I remember I had this light tingly feeling which I believe is from the ingredients. even with my sensitive acne prone skin, I haven't had any breakouts.

This brightening sample of 15 grams is £20 which is definitely on the hefty side but I've had really positive results which makes me tempted to buy the full-size edition (£60). I will finish using up this sample as I have about 30% left. It is recommended to use Good Genes with this brightening enzyme so I will be looking into that product too.

Have any brightening creams worked for you?

Until next time!

Joyce x

P.s I would be the happiest girl if you follow me on;  BLOGLOVIN | TWITTER | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM

*Products were sent to me but do not affect my opinion. (Please see disclaimer for more details)