Update: to read my complete 27 product full review of The Ordinary please click HERE.
Today is no ordinary day. This morning, Victoria Health exclusively launched The Ordinary from DECIEM and to quote their fellow Canadian Drake, nothing was the same (sorry, couldn’t help myself lol). In all seriousness, this is one of the biggest skincare launches in the history of the beauty industry and excited doesn’t even begin to cover how I feel or how important this is, not only to me, but to the industry as a whole.
Reading the September newsletter was a revelation and it left me speechless. The Ordinary came as a complete surprise to everyone (me included!) and I couldn’t read Gill’s words fast enough. Despite the name, there is nothing ordinary about what this new skincare concept is doing. This is huge news. What they have effectively done is lift the veil of secrecy surrounding the skincare industry and bravely declared what I, and I’m sure many of you have always suspected, which is that skincare products should not be this expensive. The Ordinary are giving us so-called cutting edge technology (they’re not), at the prices they should be. To see ingredients like retinoid, niacinamide, Vitamin C and Matrixyl being sold at well under £10 each is a skincare revolution. While these ingredients may not be as ground-breaking as many brands make them out to be, they are highly effective and they do provide excellent results, they just don’t need to be sold at such a high price.
As many of you will know, I struggled with my skin a few years ago and spent thousands (I am sadly not exaggerating) over a period of two years trying every single product that launched and believing every brand’s claims because I was so desperate. I was naive and vulnerable and believed anything the sales associate told me because I wanted it to be true. I wanted the product to be a miracle cure and to see overnight results, but 99.9% of the time it never happened. My skin didn’t get better until I started educating myself on ingredients, which first led me to the wonderful world of green beauty and then to the specatular world of DECIEM thanks to Victoria Health launching the now legendary CAIS over a year ago now.
The Ordinary is all about “clinical formulations with integrity” but it is more than that. It is with a kindness, generosity and honesty that is rarely (if ever) seen in the mass market skincare industry and I am eternally grateful for it. DECIEM are doing what should have been done years ago and telling the truth. They are giving us the best tools to achieve the best skin, without trying to rip us off and that’s what makes this launch such a special one.
Below is a quick overview of each new product detailing what they do, who they’re for and what popular products they compare to. There is something for everyone and even more to come! Enjoy!
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil 30ml £9.00
Ingredients: Rosa Canina Seed Oil.
Rosehip has been a favourite oil of mine ever since I discovered the amazing Pai BioRegenerate Oil a few years ago, so this product has made me very happy. I see noticeable results and improvements when using Rosehip because it contains linoleic acid, linolenic acid and pro-vitamin A, all which work to reduce scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, sun damage and even the skin tone. It promotes hydration and encourages skin cells to produce collagen. This is a fantastic ingredient if you have acne prone skin or hyperpigmentation because it will help tackle both as well as promote hydration, fight free radicals and boost the skin’s UV blocking ability. I know our little skincare community is mad for oils and we all have at least 3 or 4 or more, but check and see if any that you have contain this one high on the ingredients list and if not, definitely add it to your stash.
Advanced Retinoid 2% 30ml £8.00
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Ethyl Linoleate, Propanediol, Glycerin, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Bisabolol, Retinol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Carrageenan, Acacia Senegal Gum, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Palmitate, Sucrose Laurate, Polysorbate 20, Behentrimonium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
As you will know from my Instagram and previous posts, retinol and retinoids are an important part of my skincare routine and I have been obsessed with the VERSO Super Facial Serum for months now. Across the board it seems that retinol products (Sunday Riley, VERSO, Paul’s Choice, Dr. Dennis Gross etc) are generally priced exceptionally high and that’s because they actually work very well, but at the same time, I don’t think the prices are fair or justified and this just proves it. This combines two forms of retinoids for a 2% (in weight) innovative and advanced formula that will deliver better results than any other product out there (to quote Gill). Just for some perspective, this only costs £8, while my beloved VERSO serum costs £95/$120. Of course, the ingredients are not the same but what I’m buying both for is the retinoid and if both are going to give me the same results, why would I spend 10x more than I need to? I’ll be using this once a week to start and I look forward to seeing how my skin reacts.
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 30ml £7.00
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Alpha-Arbutin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Propanediol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
Arbutin is an excellent but underused ingredient in the western skincare world (it’s very popular in Asian Beauty products), and I believe it’s only present in my Oskia Renaissance Brightlight (high on the inci list) and Sunday Riley Tidal Cream (middle of the inci list). It is amazing for hyperpigmentation because it prevents the formation of melanin by blocking tyrosinase (enzymes in melanocyte cells that cause brown spots). I’m sure it’s one of the main reasons the Oskia serum works so well and I can’t believe it’s not in more products. Considering that tyrosinase are activated any time the skin is in contact with UV rays, now is the perfect time to introduce it in to your routine to reverse any summertime damage you may have developed. Arbutin is very gentle in comparison to other skin lightening ingredients and because this product contains Alpha Arbutin (better than just Arbutin and Beta Arbutin, obviously), you should see great results. I’ll be using this in the morning to protect and repair my skin.
Buffet 30ml £12.70
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Acetylarginyltryptophyl Diphenylglycine, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Trehalose, Fructose, Glucose, Maltose, Urea, Sodium PCA, PCA, Sodium Lactate, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
Simply called “Buffet”, this product is a peptide rich powerhouse that combines probiotics, amino acids and hyaluronic acid complexes to address all signs of skin ageing. This is the most complex product in the range, which is why it is so “expensive” compared to the others, but I think it could be great for boosting hydration and skin health, as well as help the other products work even better. I don’t have anything like this, so I’m really excited to incorporate it into my skincare routines. I’ll probably use this in the morning to begin with and then see how it goes.
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc PCA 1% 30ml £5.00
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Zinc PCA, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Carrageenan, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
I am such a huge fan of niacinamide and it is one of my all time favourite ingredients. It’s the reason why I love the Oskia serum and why I saw such great results from it. Niacinamide is not only amazing for hyperpigmentation, but it also works really well for blemishes and congestion. This should help balance sebum, brighten skin tone and with the addition of Zinc PCA, condition and heal the skin due to it’s antimicrobial properties. Just like the Retinoid, the price point of this has really blown my mind. The Oskia serum that I have loved for most of this year costs £85 and this is only £5. Let that sink in. Even with the addition of the Arbutin serum, the total cost is only £12. I know that the Oskia serum has a lot more going on with it and has a whole host of incredible ingredients, so there’s really no comparison, but what I love most about it is the niacinamide and the arbutin and again, if I can get the same results for cheaper, why wouldn’t I? The combined price of my VERSO and Oskia serums is over $200. That’s a car payment, groceries for a week or two, a return flight to see family or just money that can be spent on anything else. If your skin can handle niacinamide (I remember a couple of people saying they had a bad reaction to it) then I can’t recommend it enough because I have seen such great results.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 30ml £5.90
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
Hyaluronic acid is important for boosting hydration and this one is not only pure, but also vegan. I’m pretty sure we are all familiar with what’s so great about this wonder ingredient, but this one has the addition of B5 to increase surface hydration, meaning your skin should look and feel hydrated from the inside out. It’s 1/5 of the price of the cult Hydraluron and even cheaper than the hyaluronic acid products from Hylamide. This could be a fantastic product for those with dry/dehydrated skin and then even if you have combination skin, give it a go to see if it helps keep your skin balanced.
Lactic Acid 10% + HA 30ml £5.80 and Lactic Acid 5% + HA 30ml £5.50
Ingredients: 10% – Aqua (Water), Lactic Acid, Arginine, Potassium Citrate, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol. 5% – Aqua (Water), Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Arginine, Potassium Citrate, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol.
I am so happy that there are two strengths of lactic acid serums because I absolutely love it (wait). Just kidding! Haha! As many of you will know by now, I am allergic to lactic acid and avoid it at all cost, but I know that it has worked incredibly well for a number of you and these will come as a much welcomed addition to a lot of people. Lactic acid is an excellent exfoliant because it’s gentle, hydrating and less irritating (to some) than glycolic or salicylic. For those who love and use Good Genes, the 10% could be a great cheaper alternative and for those interested in adding it to their routines, the 5% would be a great place to start. Both formulas are half the price of Bravura’s much loved Lactic Acid Peel and 20x cheaper than Good Genes. They both contain purified Tasmanian pepperberry to reduce inflammation and sensitivity, which means you should get all the benefits of the lactic acid with none of the side effects.
Matrixyl 10% + HA 30ml £9.00
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyacrylamide Crosspolymer-6, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
Matrixyl is a wrinkle busting high-strength peptide developed by the French company Sederma that uses two versions of Matrixyl (3000 and Snythe’6) to combat static and dynamic wrinkles. I’m not at wrinkle age yet but I have heard great things about this ingredient and I know many brands charge high prices for products that contain it. Prices range from around $30 (Derma e) all the way up to $280 for a 3 Lab WW Eye Cream. This should be excellent for older consumers who need something that will be highly effective and may help boost the results of other anti-ageing ingredients. If anyone gets this, please let me know what you think.
Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 30ml £4.90
Ingredients: Ascorbic Acid, C13-15 Alkane, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Dodecane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucomannan, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Bisabolane, Trihydroxystearin, BHT.
I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with Vitamin C. When Hylamide first launched their C25 Booster my skin loved it, but after a few months it started to cause breakouts and I couldn’t use it anymore. I do want to eventually use it again because it’s such a powerful antioxidant and is highly anti-ageing and skin brightening, and when I do, this is the product I will get. Vitamin C products are shockingly expensive (due to the need to create a stable formula) and range from $48 (Ole Henriksen) to $80 (Drunk Elephant) to $163 (Skinceuticals) and all the way up to a whopping $281 (SkinMedica). For a mere £5, this product is a great way to test the waters and see how your skin reacts without the anxiety of spending a lot of money that may end up going to waste.
Of all the current ten new products that have launched I am getting five – the Rosehip Seed Oil, Retinoid, Alpha Arbutin, Niacinamide and Buffet. The first four are ingredients I already know and love and the last one is a product that I’m excited to see what it will do for my skin. I you haven’t signed up for Victoria Health’s newsletter or follow them on Instagram, you really should. I have discovered so many amazing products and brands from them and when it comes to DECIEM, no one writes about them like Gill. She is the ultimate NIOD fan and together with Brandon form the ultimate skincare fairy godparents and I can’t thank them enough for everything they are doing to change the industry.
You can check out my full review on these products over at The Ordinary Review Part 1 and The Ordinary Review Part 2 and if you want to read more about Deciem products you can check out the following:
- Copper Amino Isolate Serum 1% Review
- Hylamide C25 Review
- NIOD Flavanone Mud Masque Review
- NIOD Non-Acid Acid Precursor 15% First Impressions
- NIOD June Favourites
- Deciem x The White Company Collab
Enjoy!
Arly
DETAIL ORIENTED BEAUTY 
The prices really are extraordinary. Wonder if it also the case that as the technology has become widely available the prices have come down (much like flat screen tvs!) which make it possible? Bravo to Deciem.
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Arly, thank you so much for sharing with us this useful information that has reinforce my decision to buy some of these goodies.
The pricing is really unbelievable in comparison with other brands so if these products will deliver the same result, it’ll be really incredible.
I cannot make my order yet but thanks to IG and my lovely friend Mariko, will have the Ordinaries soon.
Have a wonderful week.
Mar
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Hi Arly, I am so excited about this line and look at the insanely low prices! I hope that they will work equally well as we sometimes associate high price with high quality (most of the time I should say). I have my eyes on Alpha Arbutin and Buffet. I am considering Lactic Acid and vitamin C after i’ve used my GG and DE C Firma Day serum. In the meantime I am also looking forward to hearing more reviews about this line of product by you or by more other people! Ok! Will go and put in my order now! 🙂 IG: @estheryhc
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YESSSS! Excellent post!!! I love your excitement and passion as you ignite my own! I have signed up to the VH newsletter because I need to read these love letters! Oh how I love your descriptions.
This is such an incredible launch especially as I have just got into NIOD so I have saved your post for reference of what my skin would benefit from here as there are so many. I love the sound of ‘Buffet’ for sure! It is so easy to want them all! Kelly xx
http://www.KELLiLASH.com
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Thank you so much for your lovely comment Kelli and I’m so sorry I didn’t see it until now!!! You’re just the best! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Thanks for this post! I’ve been seeing these around but hadn’t looked into it much at all. The buffet and niacinamide sound very intriguing xx
The Beauty Bloss
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Hello! Thanks for such a great post. I’ve purchased several of this line and am very impressed five days in. I bought the Retinol, the Rose oil, the 10% lactic acid, and the Matrixyl. I’m 40 with combination skin and (sadly) some hormanal spots. I’m a regular user of Good Genes and I can confirm will be purchasing the Lactic Acid from The Ordinary in its place from now on. Same near immediate effects. I’m a new user of Matrixyl but am also impressed with this. No visible wrinkles at this stage and would like to keep it this way! I usually use Sunday Riley’s Luna, but again will be using this Retinol from now on. Will also be purchasing the Buffet!
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Hello! I’m so glad to hear that you’re enjoying the line so far! How’s it been a few weeks in now??? I absolutely love the Retinoid and Rosehip oil. So good! Wow!!! I am so impressed that the lactic acid has replaced GG! That’s huge, but obviously great news for your wallet lol! Isn’t it so great how this brand has just saved us all so much money?! ❤
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I am fairly new the skin care world. Can you share how you use the products (ie what order, frequency, etc?) I would love to try some of these out, but am very over whelmed at the amount of different things to use. I typically just use a moisturizer, but am starting to see fine lines, dark spots, etc.
Thanks
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Hello Jessica! So sorry I missed this comment – I have a post coming up this week with all that info and there are definitely some great serums from The Ordinary that will help with your fine lines and dark spots. Stay tuned! x
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I loved all of this information and I am excited to give some of these a try. I was wondering if you could talk a little bit about the order you would use these in? You talked a little about if you would use them AM or PM, bit more detail on when and in what order would be super helpful. Thank you sooooo much!
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Thank you for your review! I too love Deciem and am looking to expand my collection. I wanted to ask you about the rosehip oil. I had the Pai rosehip oil and couldn’t take the smell. To me it was a weird mix of metallic/fish oil/herbal that prevented me from enjoying it, and in the end, using it. I know scent perceptions are relative and personal so I won’t even ask you if you find the scent all right, but rather, having used both the Pay and The Ordinary’s rosehip oil, do you find their scents similar?
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Hello Catalina! So sorry I couldn’t reply to this until now! Interesting question about the oil scents! It’s been ages since I used the Pai one and I don’t remember it being bad at all to me. I get what you’re saying about it and I would have to say The Ordinary one is similar but not as strong. Did you end up trying it?
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Love this post! I’m obsessed with NIOD products! Check my blog when u have time beautybyfabio.com 😉 x
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Thank you so much Fabio! I am obsessed with NIOD too and now these have become a favourite! 🙂 Great blog btw!!! xxx
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Thank you so much for sharing this really informative post! Today is the first day I started to use the Niacinamide but I’m also waiting for the Hyaluronic acid to arrive in the mail. I’m using the Niacinamide in just the oily t-zone area which is also where theres texture and open pores. Is it normal to feel a slight tightness in the skin?
sheergloss
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Hello Toni! You are so welcome and thank you for reading the post – so glad you liked it! 🙂 How’s it been with the serums? It is sort of normal to feel a tightness as the gel texture isn’t exactly super moisturizing so you may need to make sure you’re using hydrating products with it. I love it and follow it with an oil or balm and my skin has responded very well. x
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The products sound very exciting and I want to try them. But where to start?? I’m 60 and interested in anti aging products. I’m confused about when to use the products – dbbday or night, the order in which to use them and can or should they all be used together .
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Hello Debbie! Yes, this launch is SO exciting and I can’t recommend the products enough. 🙂 For you I would recommend the Retinoid, Buffet, Matrixyl and Lactic Acid (if your skin can tolerate it). If you have any issues with sun damage or hyper pigmentation then get the Niacinamide + Zinc and/or Alpha Arbutin too. The Retinoid and Lactic Acid should be used on alternate evenings and everything else can be used either morning or night after these two and together or alone. I hope that helps! I will have a full review of the products I have this week, with more info so check back for that! x
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Thank you for breaking it down! I have been using this skincare line in bits and pieces as it arrives — due to the high demand for product, the company is backlogged, but incredibly wonderful in that they don’t charge extra shipping as the products in your order become available. And what a steal these products are!! I’m impressed with the packaging (most are in dark glass dropper bottles in opaque boxes) and the generous sizing. I have ordered quite a bit and my total order came to about $60 US dollars…INSANE!! LOL — I feel like I’m stealing!! I encourage everyone to give these products a go…you won’t be disappointed!!
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You are so welcome! I’m so glad you found the post helpful and have been using the products already. How have you been liking them and what did you get? 🙂 Hahaha! I know what you mean about feeling like you’re stealing lol. It seems wrong to be getting so much for so little, but that’s what so great about them. They aren’t trying to rip us off and I appreciate that so much!
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I am really excited about the lactic acid, I also ordered a few extras for good measure what’s not to love here. We spend a small fortune on products we need up throwing away so this is a very welcome appoach to skincare.
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I completely agree with you Esnath! I have always put the most money into my serums because that’s what gives the best results and I love the amount of money The Ordinary has saved me. It’s so great that we can use and try some many different serums without forking over a crazy amount of money. The low level of risk and commitment is really refreshing and has made exploring the different products so easy and fun! ❤
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I’ve just checked out my shopping cart and suddenly thought about my moisturiser. With a layering of such active ingredients, which moisturiser would you recommend to seal it all in? I’m thinking a very active one might overload the skin?
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Hi Luna! You are absolutely right – I find that I like to keep my serums active and then my end step (moisturizer, oil or balm) quite gentle. It’s hard to recommend a moisturizer without knowing your skin type or whether it’s for morning or night so let me know. I personally like moisturizers for daytime and then in the night I use an oil or balm. There are so many great ones out there and I can definitely recommend a few! ❤
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Hi Arly! Nice that you read my message 🙂 Only discovered your blog a few days ago and instantly connected to your content – love the look, the style of your writing and the products you use. I have a thin, dehydrated, ripening skin (38) that’s slightly dry, with blackheads on cheeks and nose. I’ve read a few reviews of yours – Oleosomes off the top of my head. Looking for a day moisturiser (have the SPF & night oil covered for now until my next surge!) Thanks for a super blog!
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Hello again! Of course, I’m so sorry it took me so long to reply! I sometimes forget that people comment here too lol. Thank you so much for your lovely words about my blog – I am so happy to hear that you connected to it. 🙂 Oh well, it definitely sounds like The Odacite one would be great for you. It’s so beautifully hydrating without being greasy and I loved it last year. I also love balms for daytime. I feel like they give continuous protection and hydration and leave my skin so glow-y. ❤
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I literally want everything you spoken about here..! Don’t know where to start really. Great overview
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Haha!!! Oopssss! 🙂 It’s hard to pick a favourite from this bunch because they are all so good but definitely the Retinoid serum is amazing and the La Belle Lune oil. I love them both!
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Hi Arly
Discovered your blog last week whilst trying to find reviews on The Ordinary. Love this particular post as I’m finding deciding what to pick from the range is impossible!
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Hello Jo! Welcome to the blog – I’m glad you found this post helpful. 🙂 Which ones did you decide to go with? I love the ones I have and will have a review of them this week! x
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Erm, I still haven’t decided – too much to choose from. I’ve been sidetracked reading all your posts. I have decided to buy the Bravura Salicylic Acid on your recommendation though. Look forward to your review. Maybe then I will make a decision 😉
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Hi! Love your blog😊
I Would like to know what products or treatment do you recomend for my skin. I am 49 and I want anti-age products. They have so many products that I am afraid of choosing wrong. And how can I use they? Can you help me, please? Thank you😊
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Hello there! I see you wrote the same comment here and on IG, so I answered you over there and I hope my response helps! 🙂
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Hi, Arly. Thank you for this post. Very helpful. I have oily skin prone to blemishes. Dullness and roughness is a common issue for me. And from reading your content, I feel inspired to take action. I’m planning on following this regimen:
AM: glycolic acid 7% toning solution, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc PCA 1%, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG,, Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
PM: glycolic acid 7% toning solution, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc PCA 1%, Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate 10%, 100% plant-derived squalane
Weekly: AHA30% + BHA 2% peeling solution
Question — is there a way to incorporate Advanced Retinoid 2%? Will it be more helpful?
Would you also say the Rosehip Seed Oil should be used instead of the 100% plant-derived squalane?
And Lactic Acid 10% + HA over the AHA30%? Will using both be too much?
Thank you so much.
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Hi Laurene,
You can incorporate the Retinoid on alternate nights to the Vit C (and the Toning Solution). Also, don’t start off with doing the Toning Solution twice a day, every day if you are new to acid toning. Start slowly with everything, follow the instructions and track how your skin reacts. I would definitely recommend the Rosehip over the Squalane for you and yes, don’t use too many acids. Stick to the weekly peel and then 2-3 times a week with the Toning Solution and go from there.
Good luck!
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Hi Arly!
I have extremely troublesome skin – mostly oily and severely acne prone, but also dry in places. I had a severe breakout during the second half of last year till January 2017, when I had to take oral medication to stop the acne. I’ve struggled with acne all my life but this breakout was the worst and most damaging to my skin (I have a lot of hyperpigmentation, and skin discolouration due to sun damage). I have been using a witch hazel toner and a vitamin c + retinol serum since April and my skin is exponentially better.
I’m now looking for better solutions came across The Ordinary. I loved both your reviews and I’m almost placing my order! I looked up the regimen guide on their website for pigmentation and intend to follow that, alternating the Advanced Retinoid 2% and Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%. I wish to continue using the witch hazel toner as that really suits my skin. Do you think combing all those products is a good idea? Just want to be sure before I place my order!
Thanks in advance for your help!
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Hi Meghana,
The Vit C 23% is really strong and might not be the best choice for acne prone skin, I would recommend trying MAP instead. You can definitely use the retinoid on alternate days/nights to the Vit C and it would be fine to use with the witch hazel. Good luck with your skin! ❤
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This was so helpful to read! I’ve been trying to select a few products to try out but kept getting overwhelmed! Xx
http://www.littleluxuriesbylynsey.com
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