I am a huge fan of the skincare by the Canadian brand, The Ordinary which is available in the U.S. on the Beautylish site. This is is one of the most affordable skincare lines out there with serums costing $5.90 to $17.80. It's easy to get overwhelmed with the many different "potions" available but if you take your time and buy serums that target your skin issues, this skincare line really is amazing! The prices are so low because they formulate their products in their in-house labs and factories and don't do any retail markups. As you can see the packaging is really simple.
Some of you may find it annoying that you have to handle more vials than usual for your nighttime or daytime routine. For me, I've gotten used to a multi-step system. With The Ordinary, you actually get more product than if you bought something that was "all in one". This is why I love using their products because you can really target specific things you want for your skin. The only thing that is a little annoying is that all the bottles look pretty much exactly the same and the name of the product is in a smaller type on the left of the bottle. I wish they would make their logo smaller and increase the size of the name of the product. When you order through Beautylish, you get handy stickers to stick on the bottles so you can remember if you are using this morning or night.
Everyone's skin is different so I'll be reviewing some of my favorites that I purchased earlier in June. I recommend getting only 2-3 items first so it's easier to incorporate into your daily routine.
My skin issue is dry skin and hyperpigmentation in areas. So I look for hydrating products with brightening. And let's not forget: anti-aging.
Here are my Top 3 The Ordinary Skincare Products:
Advanced Retinoid 2% ($9.80 at Beautylish)
This is the top product I use each night and my key anti-aging product. Retinol helps reduce wrinkles, dark spots and other signs of aging. It's the first product I use after I wash and dry my face. I just place two drops in the palm of my hand, rub my hands together and press the product into my face. (This is how I apply all the serums.) If you use retinoids, make sure you wear sunscreen in the day as your skin will be more sensitive to UV radiation. My skin is sometimes sensitive and I have had no problems using the 2% retinol. They also make a Retinol 1%.
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA ($8.90 at Beautylish)
I knew I needed Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate my skin. This serum also contains Alpha Arbutin which helps fade hyper pigmentation. I use it each night (after the retinol) and morning before I put on my face cream.
Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG ($6.70 at Beautylish)
This is an eye serum that really works. My daughter had pneumonia for almost 2 week and I had barely slept in early June. I have been using this both day and night. My dark circles went away. I only use one drop of this on my fingers and rub them together. Then I apply it under my eyes. The caffeine helps firms, tightens and brightens the under eye area and the EGCG is a compound found in green tea leaves that helps give antioxidant support. I don't use this every night (mostly in the day now) as I use my Amore Pacific Intensive Vitalizing Eye Essence around 3-4 times a week at night because the rollerball gives me a nice eye massage.
So above are the 3 main items that I use everyday. I also purchase a few other things are are worth mentioning but I don't use them everyday, only periodically.
100% Plant-Derived Squalane ($7.90 at Beautylish)
I got this to hydrate my skin and it doesn't disappoint. I love that it uses plant-based squalene and works well to hydrate the skin. You can also use this in your hair. I love the Alpha Arbutin better for my skin but I'm glad I got this to try and to keep in my medicine cabinet when I keep all my skin care.
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil ($6.80 at Beautylish)
Argan Oil in beauty brands can be really pricy so I was really happy with this price point. I mainly bought this to help nourish my hair and I use it around once a week. After I get out of the shower and towel dry my hair. I put a few drops in my palms and run it through my wet hair. Argan is also a great moisturizer for the skin, so you can use it on your face too.
Argireline Solution 10% ($7.90 at Beautylish)
I bought this to really target lines around the forehead. I think makeup artist Wayne Goss calls this "botox in a bottle". I used it a couple of times but not every day. I'm already using my retinol and I feel like that's enough. I don't have predominant wrinkles either. That said, I may start using this once or twice a week for my forehead and eye area.
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA ($5.80 at Beautylish)
This moisturizer goes on really smooth but it's not as creamy as I wanted. It is really light and feels light on. If you order it, just realize it's as big as one of those travel sizes you can get at Sephora. For me, I'm using the rest of this as a hand cream since its in a portable tube, is not greasy and plumps up skin of the tops of my dry hands.
Overall, I am really loving The Ordinary's skincare and look forward to also trying more products in the near future.
Beautylish has a handy PDF treatment guide to all of The Ordinary products and their benefits. You can also watch a video of Wayne Goss and his top 5 The Ordinary products on the Beautylish site. He also outlines a skincare regimen by skin type. Beautylish also lets you return your items within 90 days if you are not completely satisfied.
Shop The Ordinary Skincare at Beautylish.
on the Beautylish site. He also outlines a skincare regimen by skin type. Beautylish also lets you return your items within 90 days if you are not completely satisfied.
ShopThe Ordinary Skincare at Beautylish.