A few weeks ago, I read about a new skincare line called The Ordinary. Sephora added it to its lineup of products. I figured it was going to be super expensive like everything else I’ve tried, but after checking it out, found that most products were under $10 per bottle. And there were SO many. I wasn’t sure which ones would be best for me, so I did what any Sephora junkie would do– read tons of descriptions and reviews.
There were SO many different formulas– from Vitamins to acids and retinoids. The first product I decided I definitely wanted was the Granactive Retinoid 2%. This works best for visible signs of aging (fine lines and expression lines) and also helps with skin dullness by brightening the skin. I’m very expressive with my eyes and eyebrows, as evidenced by the expression lines on my forehead. I also chose the Lactic Acid 10%, a high strength acid peeling formula, that is mainly to help smooth out skin tone and unevenness. My skin does not peel with it, however. I bought both products from Sephora for a total of $16.60– a steal– if they really are all they’re chalked up to be.
I have been alternating these two products, using one each night before going to bed. The products come with a dropper and I apply around 3 drops of each after washing my face each evening. I also have been using these products in conjunction with Drunk Elephant Babyface Mask (once per week). I wrote about that product here.
After using these three products for one month, my skin has made some serious improvements. My skin tone is much more even. My skin itself is smoother and stubborn little bumps that drove me crazy before are disappearing right before my eyes.
There are so many different products for different needs offered by The Ordinary. Here are some others I know a little bit about from my friends using them: AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is used to help fight blemishes and also improves skin texture and radiance, Salicylic Acid 2% Solution can be used on blemish-prone skin, and Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is used under the eyes for puffiness and dark circles.
These are just a few of about 50 products by The Ordinary. This brand is truly a good one and the products are offered at a fair price. What I like is that you’re given exactly what the bottle says– not a bunch of added ingredients. The big changes I’ve noticed in my own skin with alternating Retinoid and Lactic Acid daily (in addition to Drunk Elephant mask once per week) are reduced pore size, more radiant glowing skin, smoother skin, and more even skin tone/texture. I am going to continue using it, as I can’t wait to see what other changes I see in my skin.
Above are my three most recent photos that I think show some of the major changes in my skin. I think it looks way more radiant with (and without) make-up. I notice it in photos of myself for sure. I’ve also linked some of the products I’m wearing in the captions.
Have you ever used The Ordinary? If you’ve used a product I haven’t had tried, I would love to hear more about it and how it’s working for you!
xo,
Ash
PS. Erin and I are going to Florida (Disney and the beach) in four days! Eeek. Read about what all we purchased and the other things we had to do 60+ days before our trip here. Hard to believe it’s almost here. 🙂
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