The Ordinary Skincare Haul and Reviews

Happy Sunday, loves!  I hope you’re having a great weekend so far 🙂 I just returned from a wonderful weeklong getaway to Blackhawk, CO.  Colorado is such a beautiful state with some of the nicest people I’ve ever met.  Visiting the breathtaking Rocky Mountains was definitely the highlight of the trip 🙂 Today, I’m back and bringing you a review of the goodies from my The Ordinary Skincare haul!  I was scrolling through the Beautylish website for the first time solely to purchase the RMCA No Color Powder (review here), but shopped around for some additional products to meet the Free Shipping limit.  This girl does not like paying for shipping.  Who else can relate?! 😉  While surfing the site, these skincare goodies caught my eye and with their affordable price point, I thought I’d give them a try.I was very impressed with the Beautylish packaging.  It was like opening a Christmas present ?They also included some samples of the Bioderma Micellar Waters.  Sweet!I picked up three products from the line: the Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, Advanced Retinoid 2%, and the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution.  So…that is a lot of scientific jargon.  I’m the first to admit I am no skincare expert, but I do know what works with my skin and what doesn’t.  I’ve used the following products for about two months and the following reflects my personal experience.  Results may vary person to person :)

1. Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% – Retail Price $7.90

This treatment brightens the skin, reduces the look of blemishes, and promotes an even tone and texture. It also fades hyperpigmentation and reduces the redness associated with rosacea (beautylish.com).  According to the website, Azelaic acid is an “antioxidant that is naturally produced by yeast living on healthy skin. It has brightening, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects”.  This has a unique texture.  It has the same silicone feel of a foundation primer, creating a smooth film over the skin.  I found that if I rub it in too well, it will begin to pill on me, so I recommend using a gentle patting motion and letting it absorb on its own.  The first couple of times I used this, there was a strong, tingly sensation that faded after a minute or so.  I must have developed a tolerance because the tingling disappeared after the first week.  I haven’t seen any notable improvement to my hyperpigmentation, but I do like it as an everyday primer.  I would finish this product, but wouldn’t repurchase.  Overall Rating: 7/10 stars.

2. Advanced Retinoid 2% – Retail Price $9.80

This treatment visibly reduces the signs of aging without irritation. It diminishes the look of wrinkles and fine lines, brightens dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and smooths and refines the skin’s texture. (beautylish.com).  I’ve heard it’s best to start a retinol regime early to prevent wrinkles and fine lines.  This product has a milky, liquidy consistency (appetizing I know) that absorbs quickly into the skin.  The scent reminds me of corn oil, which I don’t mind, because the less added fragrances to my skincare, the better.  This didn’t irritate my skin at all upon application and added an extra layer of moisturization to my nighttime routine.  I had high hopes for this to brighten my dark spots, but after more than two months of daily use, I don’t see much of a difference.  I will finish this bottle, but would not repurchase another.  Overall Rating: 6/10 stars.

3. AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution – Retail Price $7.20

This treatment exfoliates at multiple levels in the skin to fight acne and restore an even, radiant tone. It also smooths the skin’s texture and reduces the look of fine lines with regular use (beautylish.com).  This has the smell and consistency of cranberry juice… that has gone bad ? You look like a vampire when you’re rocking this, but I was blown away by the results.  I applied a thin layer all over my dry, clean skin and waited the full 10 minutes for it to work its magic.  The first time I used this, there was a tingly, slightly irritating feeling in the first couple minutes, but it disappeared after the 3- 4 minute mark.  After I rinsed off the blood-like mask, my skin felt like buttah.  It was so smooth, revitalized, and you can feel the chemical peel worked.  This was hands down my favorite product of the batch and has become an essential in my skincare routine.   I like using this once a week or whenever my skin needs an all-over restart. Overall Rating: 10/10 stars.Overall, I was satisfied with my recent purchases from The Ordinary Skincare and look forward to trying even more products from their line.  I love their sleek apothecary-like packaging and quality ingredients at super affordable prices.  I got my eye on their Buffet Serum and Foundation, both of which I’ve heard great reviews about ?

Thank you so much for reading and I’ll be seeing you in my next blogpost coming this week!

XO,

Mary Dee

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