What are your favorite "The Ordinary" products.

Apr 29, 2017

Diana T.

Hey beauties so I just finished watching Wayne Goss's latest review of the soon to be released foundations by The Ordinary - if you haven't seen it check out his YouTube channel to get his review on it

I've watched a few of his reviews on The Ordinary products - and looking through the BL store it seems they have a lot of great and affordable products so I really want to try them out! Wanting to get reviews from you beauties and want to know your favorite products by this brand - both makeup and skincare reviews are welcome!

Thanks beauties!

Apr 30, 2017

Hannah K.

Following this post if you don't mind! I have a few products in my Beautybay basket that I'd like to try, want to see if their recommend first :)

Apr 30, 2017

Leuca S.

I liked the squalane and the Buffet. I have their advanced retinoid but I haven't been using long enough to testify to its efficacy.

Apr 30, 2017

Devorah G.

I've been using the Buffet for a couple weeks and so far very happy. It has played nicely with my moisturizer and sunscreen (I don't wear foundation). The only "complaint" I can think of is sometimes it hydrates a little too well and I feel like I need a blotting paper in the afternoon. But it really seems to be doing what it claims and the formula is nice and sets almost instantly.

Apr 30, 2017

Jenni L.

I've tried the Azaleic Acid suspension- love. It's significantly reduced my redness. Matrixyl + HA- love. Great consistency and instantly firming and hydrating. Like the Squalane- still prefer my Indie Lee but the price point is much better.

Apr 30, 2017

Roz X.

I tested most of the line (my reviews are here if that helps.) I have 2 products left to try fully. I'm not sure why some keep saying in reviews, "Finally, affordable lactic acid"or "affordable AHA" because there have been inexpensive, *gentle* options for years now that perform beautifully. Whew! That acid was awful for me, and you know I love my acids! lol
Maybe it's a location/access situation for those individuals, but I think they have a few truly lovely and effective winners for certain, such as the oils, the advanced Retinoid, the Azaleic, and the Niacinamide. I used up my booster from Paula and I'm going to stick with The Ordinary for that particular item because it's so great. My review for the C, I made a typo and I would instead direct people to their Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate 20% instead of the Suspension, but only if they absolutely must have a C from the line. No way those are dupes the C's I swear by or that I know you have used and enjoyed, but I love that they are providing options to people who may not have access to other C products based on their country or accessibility.

(I'm currently testing the Alpha Arbutin and also Caffeine.)
I personally found many of their products are 1 trick ponies and so to cover skincare bases, you need to combine *some* of their products for maximum benefit, which increases amount spent...plus, you need to take into consideration how *much*product you are getting for the money; you could easily end up spending more with needing 3 products of theirs and still not have all the benefits that say 1 particular product that comes in generous sizing by another line (like Paula) would cover for about the same cost, if not less when bought on sale with free shipping. I think keeping perspective and expectations is key with the line.

That same 1 trick pony can also be a strength, however. Sometimes, we *do* have one or two issues that are our primary objective at a specific time our skin and using something affordable to address it is fantastic! Some of these products make great boosters, for example, and there, you'll find savings. Maybe you love many of your current skincare products and their results, but want to amp up one or two of an ingredient skin loves...or there is no other option that's affordable, such as the Azaleic...and this is where The Ordinary can come into play. It's does kind of permit you to cocktail to your current needs.

I know you are a smart cookie with your skin as well as product choices.
I don't find some of these to be dupes if you look at formulation and benefits...but I do think they have a few contenders in the line that pair well in a skincare regimen that's broader, such as your own. I would never recommend someone use the entire line as their only skincare for anti-aging, for example, but they could save money on a few items here and there for sure.

Stephanie Nicole did a fantastic and incredibly knowledgeable breakdown of line.
Let us know what you get and if you enjoy it, Diana!  :)

May 1, 2017

Leuca S.

^A little something to note in Stephanie Nicole's review. She mentions what The Ordinary does on their own website when referring to the Niacinamide Booster and Vitamin C products, which is that you shouldn't combine these because they cancel each other out. This is actually an extremely common misconception based on information that was interpreted incorrectly.

A little blog post from an actual cosmetic chemist covers this topic; it's actually a fascinating read.

http://kindofstephen.com/can-you-use-niacinamide-and-vitamin-c-ascorbic/

May 1, 2017

Roz X.

Great post, Leuca. I think it's their formulation that is perhaps making this an issue for them in exercising caution, because as you know, Paula combines them all the time and so do many amazing skin care lines. That did make me pause. I'll definitely give that link a read.

I believe that even when Stephanie uses her skincare, she pairs her Drunk Elephant C later with products that include Niacinamide in their formulations.  

May 1, 2017

Diana T.

Thanks for all the reviews and tips beauties - really appreciate all the feedback! I'm not sure if I will end up trying anything from their skin care line just because as you mentioned Roz - they do appear to be one trick ponies that just do one thing really well and I have A LOT of skin concerns so we'll see if anything ends up working out for me - but thanks for all the input!

May 1, 2017

Leuca S.

I actually commented on Stephanie's video and she responded to me; her response did not directly indicate nor imply that she was aware of this being a common myth, so I thought it would be helpful to let that be known here. Even the people we think are reliable can be incorrect at times, so it's always best to double/triple check information and sources, especially when it comes to your skin's health.