I Tried the Vitamin C Serum Everyone's Obsessed With, and My Skin Has Never Felt So #Blessed

For as long as I can remember, my skincare routine has been three steps: cleanse, tone, and moisturize. It's a system I adopted as a preteen and, despite switching out the products, have systematically followed ever since. But as I got older and became more obsessed with and immersed in the world of skincare, I realized a fourth step might be worth considering. That's right; I'm talking about serum.

Likely one of the most confusing steps to skincare newbies, serums set themselves apart for their potent, highly-concentrated formulas that penetrate deeper into the skin than any topical product. New York City's bizarre transitional weather has left my skin in desperate need of extra assistance, so serum felt like my last and final hope. Thankfully, the universe must've heard my cry for help, because a highly coveted orange glass bottle appeared on my desk just in time. That bottle contained none other than Sunday Riley's C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum ($85), which — wait for it — is included in this Summer's sold out POPSUGAR Must Have Box!

Keep reading as I reveal my thoughts on the product and share an ode to my favorite skincare brand of all time.

In the off-chance you're unfamiliar with Sunday Riley, let me get you up to speed. The breakthrough skincare brand is one of the buzziest in the game, thanks to its miracle-working products and innovative use of purified botanicals. But perhaps most noteworthy is how insanely fast the brand's products work. As a fan of its Saturn Sulfur Mask, I had high hopes for what this formula could do for my struggling skin.

Although I usually opt to try new skincare products at night (I like to see the *transformation* when I wake up), I decided to try C.E.O in the morning. The formula's big claim to fame is the inclusion of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant touted for its ability to restore brightness, reduce redness and discoloration, and plump and firm skin. My skin can tend to look especially dull underneath makeup, so I was curious to see if and how this product could change that.

Following the directions on the bottle, I applied one pump of the pleasantly citrus-scented formula after completing my usual cleanse-and-tone steps. It's key to apply serums onto freshly cleansed skin and before layering on other products, so your skin can absorb the formula without any barriers. Just as I'd expect from any Sunday Riley product, I noticed an immediate — literally, immediate — improvement in the look and feel of my skin. The lightweight formula melted away and left me with the kind of glow-from-within complexion I've always wanted, but could never achieve. My skin was visibly brighter, bouncier, and more even-toned. I knew right then and there that this would earn a spot in my holy grail routine.

After two full weeks of regular usage, I can happily say my skin and I have emerged from the dark, dull, texture-ridden hole we were caught in all Winter. Not only does my complexion look brighter and smoother after I apply C.E.O., but is equally impressive at the end of the day or when I first wake up. I've since paired it with another of the brand's other cult-favorite formulas, Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment ($105), to exfoliate and tame breakouts, and together, they're the definition of a dream team. Sunday Riley, you have my heart — and I don't ever want it back.

The Summer Must Have box is sold out, but good news — the Fall box is on sale. Avoid FOMO and sign up now before it sells out!