This month marks a year since The Ordinary was launched and as it has truly become one of my favourite skincare brands, it's without a doubt my favourite budget skincare brand, I thought I'd dedicate a post to it and share my favourite products thus far!
But first, just for fun... here are 9 reasons why you need to try out The Ordinary (if you haven't already)!
Side note - Due to The Ordinary being in high demand right now a lot of the products mentioned here are out of stock. However, it's worth checking back on them or adding yourself to the waiting list where available. My two favourite places to pick up The Ordinary products is ASOS here as it's free delivery and Beauty Bay here as it's free delivery over £15.
9 Reasons To Try The Ordinary
1. Because they are the best-selling beauty brand on ASOS!
2. The Ordinary has won 5 industry awards... and that's just in their first year
3. They sell a product every 5.5 seconds?!
4. Because they are coming out with invisible mineral SPF & Watercolour makeup products!
5. The only brand to make superior skincare affordable to the masses
6. Because they sold over 5 million units in their first year!
7. They offer the best inexpensive range of chemical exfoliators (in my opinion!)
8. Because they don't test on animals or pay anyone else to either
9. They are simply the best thing to happen to the skincare industry in 2017
Now onto product recommendations because there are certainly a lot of products I highly rate and use in my daily skincare and makeup routine.
Top 10 Favourite Products from The Ordinary
1. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%
£6.00 HERE
Looking for a mild yet effective overnight exfoliating acid? Then look no further! This product alone has transformed how I use exfoliating acids. Simple apply at night 15 minutes or so before your moisturiser and wake up with ultra smooth glowing skin. This comes in two strengths 5% here, 10% here and is formulated to reduce irritation associated with acid use. A simple yet highly effective exfoliating acid.
2. The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
£6.00 HERE
This little potion is something I like to keep in the fridge and apply around the eye area to instantly reduce puffiness. Perfect for early mornings or if you've had a lack of sleep and is really light so it soaks in immediately and works with all skin types. I've never found an eye serum/cream/treatment to work as quickly or as effectively as this before. Sadly doesn't help with dark circles though.
3. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid7% Toning Solution
£6.75 HERE
This is without a doubt the hardest product to get hold of from The Ordinary - it's literally in stock for all of half a day before it's gone again! This has to be down to the major comparison to Pixi Glow Tonic which it is similar to in many ways but is milder and slightly tacky feeling on the skin. If you desperately want to try this but can't due to the constantly out of stock issue I would suggest trying Lactic Acid 5% in the meantime. It's just as mild but actually more effective at chemically exfoliating the skin and is a great gateway product into exfoliating the skin in this way.
4. The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA
£5.00 HERE
A simple seeming moisturiser here that just works, and is suitablr for all skin types. At first I felt this may be too thick for oily t-zone but in fact, my skin loved it and it's now a staple I keep going back to, sometimes in the morning and sometimes at night even mixed with a drop of facial oil. I also find it makes a good base for foundation at is hydrates but gives a matte finish and when used often definitely makes the skin feel softer.
5.The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Solution
£3.90 HERE
This is now my go-to spot treatment that I use at first sight of any blemish. On both under the skin spots and angry blemishes, this works within the first day to remove redness and then it takes a couple of days of continuous use to see the blemish fade and disappear altogether. No more week-long spots basically! I also often apply this to congested areas of my chin especially around that time of the month and have definitely noticed how it prevents large blemishes from appearing! If you are looking for an effective spot treatment but don't want to spend much then make it this one.
6. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
£6.25 HERE
If you are serious about exfoliation and want something that packs a punch then you need to check out this product! As I like to daily exfoliate with milder formulations I often feel this would be too much but if I skip exfoliating for a few days then this is a joy to use as leaving this solution on for 5-10 minutes (it's almost like a liquid face mask... it's also blood red!) results in baby soft skin that feels ultra clean. Perfect if you want to exfoliate and decongest pores all in one treatment.
7. The Ordinary Serum Foundation with SPF 15
£5.70 HERE
For the past two weeks I've been trying out both foundations from The Ordinary and can't decide which I like the most! The serum foundation is certainly my kind of formula, being a watery consistency that goes a long way and covers the entire face in a single pump. It's also super natural and buildable for that reason. So you have the option of sheer to medium coverage depending on if you want to layer it or not. For the price, this really is a great foundation with a lot of shades. Just be sure to check swatches on a similar skin tone to your own before ordering!
8. The Ordinary Coverage Foundation with SPF 15
£5.90 HERE
As for the other foundation, this is still lightweight but with a creamier feel to it. Although not as full coverage as I imagined it to be it does cover pigmentation and blemishes really well and looks natural, not settling into fine lines or clinging to dry patches. Both foundations really are impressive!
9. The Ordinary High Spreadability Fluid Primer
£5.50 HERE
This is the 2nd primer I've tried from The Ordinary and out of two I much prefer this one. The serum-like primer creates a perfect canvas for all foundations to sit onto, helping makeup not cake and last longer. It effortlessly glides on the skin and is just a joy to use. I also think it would work well for most skin types, except those with very oily skin.
10. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
£6.00 HERE
Lastly, if you are looking to try out hyaluronic acid then please don't overspend, instead, buy this! I picked this up as I wanted to see how it faired against NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Complex (£38/30ml) which I can't get enough of. Although a simplified version this product is well worth the money if you want the hydrating and plumping benefits of Hyaluronic Acid without the skin feeling tacky or like you're weighing down the skin with more products. Perfect for all skin types, even oily ones this is an impressive product if you want to really hydrate the skin. Side note - As well as on the face this works wonders on the back of the hands as an anti-ageing treatment!
I really hope you've found a few new products to try out!
Fee xo.
