Sunday Riley, founder, CEO, and chief formulator of Sunday Riley Modern Skincare, has detailed her daily beauty and health regimen. After studying chemistry, Riley launched her eponymous brand in 2009, which has since achieved global recognition. She is also a mother of four.
Riley's mornings begin at 6:30 a.m. during the school year to manage her household, which includes three children at home and 12 pets, plus a temporary foster gecko. By 7:30 a.m., her household is typically organized and ready for the day.
She often delays breakfast until later due to her busy mornings, but opts for cottage cheese if hungry, citing its protein content. Riley credits an increased protein intake with improving her hair, which had been experiencing thinning, possibly due to stress and thyroid issues. In addition to dietary changes, she uses a 5 percent minoxidil solution on her scalp each morning, washing it out at night, a practice she says has significantly benefited her hair. She also washes her hair daily and uses a red light therapy cap, though she notes the cap's effect is uncertain. Riley also developed her own hair serum containing peptides and caffeine.
Riley's skincare routine begins with cleansing, followed by a mist and a serum. She combines her C.E.O. Fifteen per cent Vitamin C Brightening Serum with C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil. She emphasizes the importance of Vitamin C for brightening skin and supporting collagen production, using it both morning and night for over 20 years to address hyperpigmentation and dark spots. She also uses moisturizer and eye cream, and applies a mixture of her concealer with Auto Correct Eye Contour cream to prevent creasing. Riley currently favors Jones Road Foundation and Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter.
Regarding exercise, Riley admits her workouts are often the first to be cut when work becomes demanding. Ideally, she practices Pilates several times a week but currently prioritizes long walks, often while on work calls. She also incorporates brief stretching sessions every 90 minutes of sitting to prevent back and hip pain.
Riley's dietary habits include avoiding snacking unless genuinely hungry, preferring a full meal. She has learned to distinguish between true hunger and stress or boredom. Her acknowledged guilty pleasure is Diet Coke, which she prefers over cake. While she refrains from drinking alcohol at home, she may have a negroni or gimlet when socializing. Riley also supports a personalized approach to supplements, based on her doctor's advice and genetic factors, such as an MTHFR gene mutation. She takes supplements for Vitamin D deficiency, methylated B vitamins, folate, glutathione for her skin, and ferritin for her hair, working with a functional doctor to determine her specific needs.