About a month ago, I had to pinch myself when I came home to a surprise package from Sunday Riley. Inside, it contained a pot of the newly-released Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream.* Overcome with excitement, I immediately cracked into it and began testing it out. After a month of continuous use, I think I've finally got my mind wrapped around it enough to let you know my thoughts.
The product is described on the Sephora website as "an advanced brightening, refining treatment infused into a next-generation water cream formula." It promises to not only plump and hydrate the skin, but also reduce dark spots and improve the overall brightness of the complexion. It totes an impressive ingredients list, including 1% Alpha-arbutin to reduce hyperpigmentation, papain (papaya enzymes) to smooth and exfoliate, two forms of hyaluronic acid to really pull water into the skin and keep it there, and tamarind extract, which improves skin's moisturization.
The cream itself feels lightweight to the touch, similar to other "water creams" that are now coming out. The consistency reminds me of a slightly thicker version of the Belif Aqua Bomb. It has a scent to it, like a combination of cucumber and a floral scent, but it doesn't linger on the skin after the cream has been applied. But it's something to keep in mind if you're sensitive to scent. When applied on the skin, you can immediately feel it getting to work in hydrating and plumping up the skin. It literally feels like a drink of water for your skin. Although it's so hydrating, it sinks in quickly and doesn't feel greasy whatsoever. I think it would be a great one for both oily and dry skins alike. This also makes it great under makeup - there's no residue left on the skin to make your makeup slip and slide around, but its intense hydration and slight exfoliation make makeup apply like a dream. I've typically been using it, though, as the last step of my evening skincare routine, applying it after using the Luna Sleeping Night Oil (review).
After a month of continuous use, I genuinely have noticed an overall improvement in my skin. It looks generally brighter and more glowy when I wake up, and I've noticed that any acne marks I had lingering from old breakouts started fading more quickly than usual. I really think that pairing it with the Luna makes it even more effective, but it's absolutely lovely on its own as well. I also think it's helped with the redness issues I've had with my skin - sometimes I wake up with hot, flushed, and irritated skin, but applying this calms and soothes it right away. I can't even decide if I like it better in the morning or at night, as I've seen benefits of using it both ways.
This product is exclusive to Sephora, so I'd definitely recommend picking it up in their VIB Sale coming this week! Have you tried the Tidal Cream?
*This product was kindly sent to me by Team Sunday Riley (the biggest of thank yous again!), but all opinions are my own. Please see my disclaimer for more information.