You might think that this is an exaggeration, but I swear to you it is not. Good Genes is an amazing treatment that is formulated with "key ingredients which will plump fine lines, reveal brighter, newer skin, and improve circulation, offering a smooth, vibrant complexion. Long term use will restore damaged skin, reduce hyperpigmentation and acne scars, reduce the depth and number of lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone, & increase epidermal firmness and thickness."
I can personally attest to the fact that these claims are indeed quite true. I have been using this product religiously every single day for well over a year now, and see a remarkable difference in the quality of my skin. I have noticed a significant plumping of fine lines, a marked reduction in sun damage (hyperpigmentation), an improvement in overall clarity, and an increased firmness. Some people only use this as a treatment a few times a week, but I prefer using it daily because the results are that pronounced.
Unique Properties:
Great to use 5 days in a row as an intensive radiance treatment or anytime you want to impress. Can be applied daily for reviving skin which is damaged by excessive UV exposure, aging, acne scars, pollution, lifestyle.
Key Ingredients:
Unneutralized Lactic Acid (Line Plumping, Increased Epidermal Firmness and Thickness, Skin Renewal)
Licorice (Skin Brightening, Fights Hyperpigmentation, Anti-inflammatory)
Squalene (Helps Repair Skin Barrier)
Yeast Extract (Encourages Healthier Skin)
Lemongrass (Circulation, Antioxidant)
Arnica (Anti-Inflammatory, Soothing)
NV-5 AGELESS COMPLEX (5 Native American Botanicals which Rejuvenate Damaged Skin, Pro-Actively Fight Aging, Anti-Pollution, Detoxifying (This is a proprietary complex that has powerful anti-aging effects on the skin).
People with especially sensitive skin probably don't want to use this everyday as I do because this is a very active product that literally causes dead skin cells to roll off and reveal smooth fresh skin- thanks to the Unneutralized Lactic Acid. Many people opt to use this at night, but I use it during the day since it gives the skin an unparalleled glow. I do, however, slather on Sunday Riley's Cashmere SPF 30 and Juno Transformative Lipid Serum so that my skin is protected from the sun.
Ingredients:
$105.00 for 1 oz. at Nordstrom, Sephora, Bloomingdale's (Space NK), Barneys New York & Beauty.com
This is an A+ product that I will use as long as it is being made!
Hi! I have found your blog SO helpful because I just recently started using the Sunday Riley skin care products. I started off with Bionic and Juno and just ended up buying Good Genes, Skin Adrenaline and Cashmere because I love the line so much. I was wondering if you could tell me the order you apply these products. I am confused about what time of day I should use particular products, in what combinations and in what order. For example, do you put Juno on under the Bionic and Cashmere moisturizers or over it? Any thing would help! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous,
DeleteI'm so happy that you stopped by and that you have found my blog so helpful :D
First let me direct you to the post that I did the was an attempt to demystify using these products (you will note at the bottom of the post that I offer a simple guide for creating an AM/PM routine:
http://lolassecretbeautyblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/sunday-riley-skincare-for-face-body.html
Now to get specific about what you bought! First of all it is important to note that the Sunday Riley skincare routine is very easy to customize to suit one's particular likes and needs, but here are a few thoughts to help you decide.
Juno: I use it after cleansing and prior to moisturizing-- therefore treating it as a serum. However, I also add it into my Cashmere SPF 30+ because it boosts the SPF factor. I use it morning and night without fail, and I also add a pump of it into my foundation or tinted moisturizer. Juno just makes everything better!
Skin Adrenaline & Bionic: Both are moisturizers. I tend to use Skin Adrenaline during the day and Bionic at night. I have combination skin and seldom need a cream as rich as Bionic during the day. However, I am not rigid about this-- I pay attention to the needs of my skin on a daily basis- so if I need a little more moisture I use Bionic during the day. Some people who have drier skin treat Skin Adrenaline as almost a serum and apply it under Bionic both day and night. I tried that for a while and realized that it really wasn't necessary for me. I would suggest trying all of these variations out and let your skin decide what works the best for you.
Cashmere is a sunscreen- so only apply it during the day. I cleanse, apply any serums (Stimulant I and Juno) then apply Skin adrenaline and let everything soak in for a few minutes. Then I pump enough Cashmere for my face, neck & chest into my hand and then add a pump of Juno Oil (or 1/2 pump) then I rub my hands together to mix them well, and then massage it into my face, neck and chest.
Good Genes: Since this is a powerful exfoliant because of the unneutralized lactic acid, I would suggest starting out only using it a few nights a week to get your skin used to it. You can decide how often that you want to use it, and whether or not your skin will be sensitive to it. When I use this at night I cleanse first, then use Stimulant Serum III, then my eye cream, then Good Genes, then Juno Oil, and then Bionic.
Some people use Good Genes during the day, but this should only be done if you are really piling on sunscreen since it is a VERY active exfoliant-- and one should be very cautious in their application of exfoliants and sun exposure- because of the risks of creating hyperpigmentation.
Please let me know if this helps, but don't hesitate to ask as many questions as you like-- I would love to help you in any way that I can!
Have a lovely day! L
Thank you SO much for your reply!! It helped me so much. Im sorry about my delay in getting back to you. I work nights as a nurse and when I have a busy stretch of shifts I just sleep and work, no time for getting on my computer! I am loving this skin care line. I want to get some of the serums. I need to read through some of your other reviews. They are so helpful. I will probably have other questions because the line is a bit overwhelming! So many products. I really want to try their makeup now :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so very welcome! No worries- answer whenever you can-- our lives are busy! I'm so glad that you are loving the line, and I'm so happy that my reviews are proving helpful to you! Whenever you have questions- always feel free to ask-- I can help you try to figure out which products can be skipped, and which ones are a good match for you. There are so many products, and one certainly does not need all of them! I will help you tread your way through them, if you like!
DeleteHave a lovely weekend! I hope that you have some time off! :-)
I didn't realize this product contained parabens. I really wanted to try it but I stay away from anything that contains that ingredient. Too bad.
ReplyDeleteIt does contain parabens and silicones-- I wish that they made it without both as well-- because it is such a great and effective product!
DeleteHi Lola, thank you so much for the thoughtful review! I just purchased Juno and Good Genes at Barneys Beauty Event. I tried sample of Skin Adrenaline and I loved it! But I decided to try more "common" ones (and less expensive compare to Skin Adrenaline) first. Hopefully the shipment arrives soon.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I was wondering, I have so many other exfoliators (physical grain one and chemical one as well), do you think it'll be too harsh to use it with Good Genes? Do you use any other exfoliator when you don't use Good Genes? or conjunction with Good Genes? SA on the phone was not too helpful. I think they were very busy that day. So I was wondering if you could help me.
Thank you sooo much :)
Kate from Love Passion & MakeUp
Hi Kate, Thanks you so much for your kind words!! Congratulations on your purchases!! I hope that you are really happy with them.
DeleteI would definitely get used to Good Genes before using other exfoliators. I would try it at night a couple of times a week and see how your skin responds to it. I would also recommend using a sunscreen during the day since you will be removing dead skin and revealing new skin-- which will need lots of protection. Once you acclimate to Good Genes-- then on the days that you are compelled to manually exfoliate don't use Good Genes. You don't want to overwork your skin-- so I would take a gradual approach.
We have a tendency to want to over-exfoliate which can actually do more harm than good. SO my suggestion would be to definitely start out slowly because Good Genes is a very active product, and the unneutralized lactic acid is powerful and effective stuff!! You might even want to try it on your neck to see if it is too strong for your skin before putting it on your face.
I hope that this is helpful to you! <3
Do you know if you can use retin-a with Good Gene?
ReplyDeleteHi!! I wouldn't personally. That is too much exfoliating of the skin which can lead too thinning and increased vulnerability. If you are using prescription Retin-A- it is more potent than over-the-counter cosmetic varieties, and it is very effective for promoting skin turn-over. Good Genes has a high concentration of unneutralized Lactic Acid- which is also a potent exfoliator-- therefore that much exfoliating would be a lot to put your skin through. If I were you, I would bring the Good Genes list of ingredients to your dermatologist next time you get a refill prescription for your Retin-A to see what your doctor has to say. When I use a retinol based product I use it at night, and never at the same time as Good Genes. CHeck with your doctor, but I definitely wouldn't use those two products at the same time-- it's just too much to put the skin through IMHO! Have a lovely weekend! :D
DeleteThank you. That really helps. I will check with my term as well. Maybe I can alternate between good genes and Retin-A.
DeleteYou are very welcome!! I actually spoke to a medical aesthetician a while ago who works in a dermatologist's office and she said that she gets Retin A from her derm and because she uses a prescription strength retinol that she doesn't use ANY other types of active exfoliants, and in fact goes in the other direction altogether. She uses lots of other types of serums oils etc. to take care of her skin since the Retin A is such a powerhouse product. I would be super careful- thinning the skin makes it very vulnerable, and causes it to age that much faster. If it were me I would only use Good Genes when I am no longer using Retin A. Let me know what your derm says! I am actually thinking that my next retinol product should be Retin A from my doctor-- I would like to give it a try since it is so much more potent than what I have tried over-the-counter. Keep pos posted! :-)
DeleteThanks again. I only used Good Genes for two night but I already can see the difference! I really like it but also don't want to give up using Retin-A. I notice Juno has retinol in it but maybe it is ok to use that with Good Genes because it is low strength since it is natural?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I think I will try rest of the products now.
Absolutely my pleasure! Yes, Good Genes definitely makes a difference. I don't blame you for not wanting to give up Retin-A, but I definitely would talk to your dermatologist!! I certainly would not use them at the same time- as I said before. Maybe alternating them. Using Juno and Good Genes together is fine, at least it it always has been for me. I don't think that the retinol in Juno is anywhere near the level of potency that you have in your Retin-A. I personally have never experienced any exfoliating from Juno- as I understand it, and retinol in Juno is just Vitamin A that is contained in some of the oils themselves. Keep me posted!
DeleteI will!
ReplyDeleteDo you use other brands too? I am a product junkie but I always rotate back to La mer, nia24 and skincenutical, now I am adding Sunday Riley to my all time favorite list!
Keep me posted on that! :D
DeleteI use lots of other brands, and no longer use Sunday Riley exclusively- though I do still use Good Genes regularly. I am really loving the The Organic Pharmacy, Sponge, B. Kamins, Tatcha, My, Rodin Olio Lusso, Dr. Brandt, Dr. Dennis Gross, Reviva Labs, vbeaute, REN, ORG, Suki, Kate Somerville, Erno Laszlo and Painted Earth- to name but a few. I am always on the lookout for new and exciting skincare products and lines-- the technology advances so rapidly that there is always something new and amazing to behold!! I just can't help myself from continually investigating new products! :D
BTW, that is a very nice list of lines that you are using!!!!!!
DeleteHi Lola
ReplyDeleteJust want report back that my Derm. is ok with me rotating retin-a with Good Genes. So far it has been working well but it has only been a few weeks so I could give you another update in a few months if you are interested.
I also want to try the cleanser and adrenaline for day time now because of your great review! Do you still use them?
Hi! I'm so glad that your derm gave you the okay!! Please do keep me posted- I am very curious to see how your skin responds over a longer period of time. What strength Retin-A are you using?
DeleteI still have Ceramic Slip and Skin Adrenaline, but don't use them on a daily basis. I do use them periodically, but I am finding a few of The Organic Pharmacy products to be more potent and effective than Adrenaline. I rotate my cleansers, and have been pretty hooked on the Sponge (Gel Katharistiko) Cleanser because it is a thing of magic. It not only leaves my skin deeply cleansed, but it is so soft and supple afterward-- leaving my skin feeling as though I used a serum after use. This is one of my greatest discoveries! :D
Oh now I am tempted to try the Organic Pharmacy products! Which products do you like? The Firming serum? Does that replace the Juno too?
ReplyDeleteI love three of their products that are anti-aging powerhouses that blow away everything that I have tried before! They also do not contain all of the chemicals that many other companies rely upon.
DeleteThe three product that I am smitten with are:
1) The Rose Plus Marine Collagen Complex that I am using. It is a lotion type of serum. The ingredients are AMAZING!
http://www.theorganicpharmacy.com/health-beauty/rose-plus-marine-collagen-complex/63
Ingredients: Acai (Euterpe oleracea berry), Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis), New Zealand Fern (Cyathea Cumingii Leaf Extract), Rye Alcohol, Rose Hip (Rosa Canina) Oil, Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), Sunflower (Helianthus Annus) Oil, Sweet Orange (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis), Ursolic acid, Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Palmitate) , Aqua (Water) , Xanthan Gum, Acmella Oleracea Extract , Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera) , Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceteryl Alcohol, Chondroitin sulfate, Dill (Anethum graveolens), Goji (Lycium barbarum berry), Grapefruit (Citrus Grandis), Hibiscus (Hibiscus Sabdariffa)h, Honey (Mel), Honeysuckle (Lonicera Japonica), Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis) Oil, Kigelia Africana (Kigelia Africana), Lactic acid, Lemon (Citrus Limonum), Marigold (Calendula Officinalis) Extract, Marine Collagen.
2) Antioxidant Face Firming Serum: This is an oil based serum (that I use instead of Juno). It is an amazing product, and I am blown away by my skin because of it!
http://www.theorganicpharmacy.com/health-beauty/antioxidant-face-firming-serum/60
Ingredients: Alpha Lipoic Acid, Rose Hip (Rosa Canina) Oil, Sweet Orange (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis), Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Palmitate), Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Limonene , Carrot (Daucus Carrota) , DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol), Grapefruit (Citrus Grandis), Grapeseed Extract (Vitis Vinifera), Linalool, Lemon (Citrus Limonum)
3) Antioxidant Face Gel. This is a magical little elixir!!
http://www.theorganicpharmacy.com/health-beauty/antioxidant-face-gel-/61
Ingredients: Algin, Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis), Alpha Lipoic Acid, Oats (Avena Sativa) , Rye Alcohol, Wild Pansy (Viola Tricolore), Polygonium (Polygonium Multiflorum), St Johns Wort (Hypericum Perforatum), Sweet Orange (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis), Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Palmitate) , Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Aqua (Water), Limonene, Bilberry (Vaccinum Myrtillus), Carageenan, Carrot (Daucus Carrota) , DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol), Ginseng (Panax Ginseng), Glycerin (vegetable), Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica), Grapefruit (Citrus Grandis), Lactic acid, Linalool, Lemon (Citrus Limonum), Marigold (Calendula Officinalis) Extract, MSM, Citrol
Using the three of these products together has made a huge difference in the radiance, clarity, moisture level, and texture of my skin. I love that it is filled with safe and super effective ingredients. Instead of relying on less expensive chemical fillers, they rely on using powerful potent safe ingredients that really work. These products are a game changer for me. I need to start thinking about reviewing them. I can't say enough good things about this line-- it is definitely one of my greatest skincare discoveries in the last few years. They make lots of sample packets- so you can try it out risk free-- I did, and now I'm hooked. Their oil ranks right up there with Olio Lusso for me, and I might even prefer it!!
Of course just because I love their products doesn't mean that you will-- so it is definitely worth trying samples before splurging because it is an expensive line!
DeleteThank you for the info! Where do you get the samples?
DeleteBy the way, I forget to answer your question about the strength of the retin-a I use. I have both .05% and .1% and I alternate every so often.
I got samples at Barneys New York. They actually were out of some of the sample packets the day that I went it, and they made some up for me from the testers- then the next time that i went in they gave me a some of the sample packets. I am so thrilled with these three products- they have really exceeded my expectations- which is a rare thing. I also have been testing out a new Lactic Acid product from B. Kamins to see how it compares to Good Genes. It has a higher concentration of Lactic Acid- so it will be interesting to see how well it works comparatively.
DeleteThank you for telling me the strength of your Retin-A. Right now the one that I am using (from Dr. Brandt) is 2%, but as I understand it-- the concentrations of over the counter products differ markedly from those with a prescription. Next time that I go in for my yearly physical I will have to see if she will write me a prescription. I am very curious to compare- plus they are far less expensive that way!
Have a wonderful weekend! :D
Would you recommend buying Juno, organic pharmacy or Olio Lusso?
ReplyDeleteWell, I continue to be absolutely obsessed with Olio Lusso- and it is the only luxury face oil to date that completely eliminated the two pesky dry patches-- so for that reason alone I remain completely loyal to Olio Lusso. It also nourishes and gives my skin an unprecedented glow. I am also completely obsessed with The Organic Pharmacy products that I am using, and their Antioxidant Face Firming Serum (Oil) is jam-packed with powerful anti-aging ingredients. More often than not, I use Olio Lusso in the day and The Organic Pharmacy at night. Juno is heavier than the other two oils and takes longer to soak into the skin, and I have seen more long term benefits with Olio Lusso and Antioxidant Face Firming Serum. I think making the recision on which one to buy depends entirely upon what you are looking for in a face oil, and how each feels and works for your skin. Tell me a little bit more about what you are looking for and looking to achieve-- and I can help you narrow it down. As always, I would suggest trying to get samples of each in order to test them beforehand. You will be able to tell how each one works for you skin, and will be able to tell pretty quickly which one (if any) need to come home with you. I can tell you one thing for sure- it will take some truly amazing oil to get me to even consider using something other than Olio Lusso and The Organic Pharmacy-- and I definitely plan on repurchasing both-- despite their hefty price tags- because I am astounded by the results of both of them than much! :D
DeleteThank you for all the information! I am mainly looking for oil with long term anti-aging benefits.
DeleteMy pleasure! For anti-aging benefits with real potency and results the three products that are REALLY impressing me are the three products that I listed above from The Organic Pharmacy. See if you can get your hands on some sample packets- if they are out of them they can always make some for you. I hope that you like it- the two real standouts are the Antioxidant Face Serum (oil) and The Rose Plus Marine Collagen Complex. Both feel divine on the skin, and you can really see a difference in very little time! Keep me posted. I also really love the Sponge Ladi Avokanto oil, but I think in terms of Anti-aging benefits that it's pretty hard to outdo the serum from THe Organic Pharmacy! <3
DeleteThanks again. I think I will try the organic pharmacy products. Have you tried their sun cream? I am looking for a new physical sunscreen and the ones on their web site look pretty good.
DeleteMy pleasure!! I hope that you love the line as much as I do-- I am really smitten! No, I hadn't even noticed that they have a physical sunscreen!!!! I am going to have to try it!! Thank you for pointing it out! Please keep me posted! If you get the sunscreen please let me know if it makes the grade! Have a lovely weekend! <3
DeleteI just pull the trigger on the organic pharmacy products including the sun cream! I can't wait! It could be great if you can do a review of their products!
DeleteI also ordered a sample of Olio Lusso. Do you think that has any anti-aging benefits? I am going to hold off on buying anything else now since I just spent so much!
WOW!! I can't wait to hear what you think about all of your goodies! I am definitely going to review all three of The Organic Pharmacy products that I bought- and plan to do so before too long. I am so curious to hear what you think about their sunscreen!!!!
DeleteOh, I am so glad that you ordered a sample of Olio Lusso. It only takes a very small amount, and I warm it up in my hands just a touch and then massage it into my skin (same goes for the one from The Organic Pharmacy as well). Olio Lusso isn't advertised as an anti-aging product, but judging by the way that it makes my skin so soft, glowing, radiant, and with softened expression line- I think that it may have anti-aging properties. It is described more as an oil that delivers deep moisturizing benefits and a beautiful glow. This is what Rodin says, "Packed with eleven essential oils derived from flowers and other botanicals, this is the ideal liquid moisturizer for anyone seeking a simple solution to hydrated skin and a luminous, light-reflecting complexion. Like magic, it effortlessly melts into complexions that are 'normal,' oily, dry, or any combination thereof, without leaving any greasy residue." The Organic Pharmacy, on the other hand, clearly calls their oil an anti-aging product.
I am so excited for you!!!!
My organic pharmacy order has arrived! While I was waiting for the package, I also bought the good genes based on your review! So can you please share how you rotate these products? Do you use the good genes underneath the OP Rose plus collagen complex, serums and gel?
DeleteMaybe I should stop reading your blog! LOL
Thank you
Veronica
Hi Veronica!! :D
DeleteOh, I am SO excited for you and can't wait to hear what you think about all of your lovely products! YAY!!!!
I actually never use Good Genes with The Organic Pharmacy Serums. If I am using The 3 OP serums in the day, and I feel like using Good Genes that day- then I will use it at night. My rationale is that I want to optimize the efficacy of all of the Organic Actives in all of their products, and since Good Genes includes Parabens, Silicones, PEGs and DMDM Hydantoin- I opt not to mix them. I also try to use my more natural lotions in conjunction with their serums. I don't know that it makes that much of a difference, but I feel better using them with as few chemical compounds as possible. As a result, I have recently been using my Suki Facial Lift Ultimate Firming Cream if i require more moisture than is provided by the 3 serums.
Also, if you use too many seri an treatments at the same time it is going to be difficult to determine which products are doing what. If I were you, at least initially, I would use Good Genes one or two times a week during the night when your skin is in a natural state of skin turnover. Then use the OP products during the day to see how your skin responds to each of these products. If your skin responds well to Good Genes, then increase the number of evenings that you use it. Once you have acclimated to all of the products then experiment with when you use them.
Do be sure to use a SPF 30 or higher during the day since Good Genes will be exfoliating your skin more rapidly than it would without using an exfoliant. Keep me posted!! <3
It has only been a few weeks but I want to report back that I absolutely LOVE the organic Pharmacy products! You must try the sunscreen. I bought the SPF 50 and it is just lovely. Now I want to try the Rose plus anti-aging cream, brightening serum and expression treatment. My wallet is in big trouble! :)
DeleteVernonica
Hi Veronica! I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to hear that you feel the same way about The Organic Pharmacy products that you got as I do! I am really really really impressed by their products, and definitely plan on trying more from them! I will definitely get their sunscreen when I run out of my Clarins! I like the idea that it is an SPF 50! I was told by their Rep that the Brightening Serum isn't quite the powerhouse anti-aging product that the Rose Plus Marine Collagen Complex is, and that if I was thinking about either that I should get the latter rather than the former. It is $225.00 instead of $189.00, but I think that it is worth the difference. I know, my wallet is in big trouble as well! Keep me posted- I am really interested to hear what you think of all of their products. The Expression Treatment has been calling out to me as well! :-) Helen
Delete