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I think it's safe to say that The Ordinary have become pioneers within the skincare industry paving the way we look and what we use within our skincare routines. At first glance The Ordinary looks like an over the chemist brand where you have no idea what the ingredients mean let alone what it's supposed to do for your skin!? However, I think over the past couple of years we have become accustomed and even more knowledgable on ingredients, terminology and the benefits of these now very accessible and affordable skincare ingredients.
Last year I did a review on my first wave of products from The Ordinary which you can read here. This year I've been testing out the popular Vitamin C Powder otherwise know as L-Ascorbic Acid Powder. Now I've already touched on why Vitamin C is so beneficial for the skin in several videos over on my YouTube Channel here and so I won't go into too much detail but today I wanted to share with you everything you need to know about the Vitamin C Powder along with my thoughts...
WHAT DOES THIS DO?
This potent Vitamin C Powder can aid in brightening, reducing the signs of ageing and even the skins tone. PRICE
The Ordinary 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder retails for an affordable £4.90 for 20g of product.
PACKAGING
The jar in which the powder comes in is a UV Protective glass jar so that it can preserve and prevent the powder from going off. This also has a mini spoon included in order for you to measure out the best amount for you personally.
APPLICATION
Spoon a tiny amount of the powder (I would say half to a quarter spoonful depending on if you've used Vitamin C before) onto the palm of your hand and mix in with your daytime or night time moisturiser or another treatment as suggested (excluding EUK 134 or Niacinimide). I would recommend using this either in the daytime or evening mixed in with a face lotion as it has a lighter texture that works better than thicker creams. On a side note, you may experience a slight tingle when using this powder so if you are new to Vitamin C I would start with a very small amount and build it up slowly.
LONGEVITY
6 Months once opened.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
There are many forms of Vitamin C now available within the skincare market but this has to be one of my favourite ways to apply it purely for the fact that it's so customisable with just about any other treatment and can be incorporated into your daily skincare routine with ease. This 100% L'Ascorbic Acid is impressive considering the price point and I've definitely noticed my skin has looked brighter and more even since using this product. Overall I can't get enough of this powder because of the price, accessibility and it's powerful anti-ageing properties, so much so that this has and will be a staple within my skincare cupboard and routine.
I award the Ordinary L-Ascorbic Acid Powder a 4.9 out of 5
Now as you guys may well know I've become a bit of a skincare fanatic over the past couple of months! So today I wanted to share with you the best skincare products for your 30's that I'm using currently in my morning and evening skincare routine...
MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE 1. CLEANSER: Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser* - For mornings I keep it pretty basic and start by cleansing with my favourite Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser that you can read more about here. All I do is massage the product onto dry skin, wet my fingers to turn the cleanser into a milk, then to finish I use a damp flannel to wipe off the excess.
2. TONE:Superdrug Vitamin E Hydrating Mist- Next it's onto toning... Personally, I love using a spray toner as it's just quick and easy. And let me tell you this one from Superdrug is EVERYTHING! It's so affordable and hydrating.
Also if you're in need of an extra boost of hydration and you have the time, I recommend doing a double spritz, trust me... thank me later. 3. EYE CREAM: Una Brennon Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Dark Circles Eye Cream - Ok I have to admit I never used to use an eye cream, it was more of a once in a blue moon thing I think maybe because there never seem to be any decent and affordable options to choose from. But now I can't live without one, especially now I'm 35, so naturally this Una Brennon Vitamin C one is perfect as it feels very lightweight and hydrating around the eye area.
4. MOISTURISE: Glossier Priming Moisturiser* - For moisturiser you guys know as I just reviewed this here,that the Glossier Priming Moisturiser is my go to as it's lightweight, buildable and hydrating.
5. SPF: Australian Gold Tinted Botanical Face Sunscreen SPF50* - My final and most important step (and this should be yours too) is an SPF. I do not leave the house without applying one, in fact, most days I end up applying it twice, once when I leave for the gym in the morning as I walk. Then I apply it again when I go to do my skincare routine after I've got back from the gym and showered. I'm currently loving this tinted one from Australian Gold as it's also perfect for no makeup days.
6. LIP BALM: EOS Wild Berry Lip Balm* - Last but not least I just like to add a bit of lip balm to moisturise my lips.
EVENING SKINCARE ROUTINE - There is definitely a few more steps to my evening skincare routine as this is where I get serious about my skincare and really take and make the time to give my skin a well-deserved pampering. 1. MAKEUP REMOVER: Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm* - First things first, removing that makeup... Up until now I have been a solid fan of a micellar water and don't get me wrong I still am, but just lately I've been reaching for the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. This cleanser melts away makeup like a dream! Discover more about this cleanser and why I love it here.
2. CREAM CLEANSER: ALDI Lacura Hot Cloth Cleanser- Next I go in with my favourite cream cleanser from Aldi, you guys already know how much I love this, it's honestly one of the best affordable cream cleansers I've used to date.
Additionally, I use another amazing find from Lidl in the form of the SilverCrest Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush. My husband actually got me this for Christmas and honestly, it's become a game changer within my skincare routine! It has four settings but personally, I love setting two for deep cleaning my face with the cream cleanser. All I do is wet the brush and use it in circular motions on my face and then I use long strokes up my neck towards my chin. If I ever find this again you guys will be the first to know so you can get your hands on one too!
3. EXFOLIATE: Pixi Glow Tonic* - Next it's time to exfoliate with my favourite glycolic products. I actually currently switch between two, the Pixi Glow Tonic and the ALDI Lacura Glycolic Daily Cleansing Pads. (The Pixi Glow Tonic was very kindly sent to me, but as always all opinions are my own.)
4. ESSENCE: Superdrug B Refreshed Essence Lotion - After I've exfoliated it's time to put back the moisture into my skin with this Essence I found in Superdrug. This is actually a new step I've incorporated into my routine to give my skin that extra hydration boost.
5. TONE: As Above -Afterwards I go in with my favourite toner I spoke about above.
6. EYE CREAM: Aldi Lacura Midnight Power Eye Cream - For eye cream, I've been enjoying using the Midnight Power Eye Cream from Aldi as it's hydrating and it has a lovely lightweight gel texture.
7. SERUM: The Ordinary 0.2% Retinol in Squalane* - Next it's onto serums and again I'm currently switching between my favourite 0.2% Retinol from The Ordinary which you can read all about here and the Pixi Rose Caviar Essence* which I have a post on here. The Retinol I use 2-3 times a week and then the rest of the week I use the Pixi Rose Essence.
(The Pixi Rose Caviar Essence was kindly sent to me but as always all opinions are my own)
8. MOISTURISE: Aldi Caviar Night Cream - Finally for Moisturiser I've been obsessed with this Aldi Caviar Night Cream. I'm currently testing this out for an up and coming post but so far so good.
9. LIP BALM & SPOT TREATMENT: Aldi Miracle Cream - To finish I just moisturise my lips with a little Aldi Miracle Cream which I spoke about in my Aldi Dupes post here. I also use this on any blemishes and spots however I do find The Ordinary Salicylic Acid* works wonders if you have any unwanted pimples under the skin. Find out more about this product here.
And that is it, I do hope you found this helpful in some way whether your in your 30's or not. I'm still on a skincare journey discovering new ways to use my skincare and testing out new products in general, so keep a look out for lots of fresh skincare content coming to the PPB Blog and YouTube Channel soon...
The Ordinary Retinol, The Ordinary Salicylic Acid and The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension.
I'm no expert when it comes to Science in skincare and in general really, but what I can tell you is I take my skincare routine very seriously and if anything I use more products now then I ever used to. I'm also a total sucker for anything new, innovative and affordable which is why The Ordinary Skincare brand appealed to me after I initially heard about it through Fleur De Force.
Now while I can't tell you all the in's and out's about the science aspect of this skincare brand, what I can do is share with you my honest thoughts and basic facts on three of the products I've been testing and what they have done for my skin personally over the last three months. Also if you want a bit more info on The Ordinary Serum Foundation, then I have a review that I will link here if you're interested in that too.
Price
One of the things that make The Ordinary stand out from a crowd is the insanely affordable price points and the best part is they don't skimp on quality either. Everything is under £15 but the majority of products are under £10. All products are Vegan and Cruelty Free.
The Ordinary packaging is very simple as it's more about what's inside that counts. Although I have to say I'm a big fan of the packaging as it's informative, clean and crisp looking.
Most products come boxed and are either packaged in a tube or in a glass bottle with pipette.
I have to admit a lot of the terminology can be confusing if you're not familiar with the ins and outs of series skincare and their benefits. However, as I mentioned above the packaging is informative and there is a great deal of additional info on the Deciem website*. Nevertheless, if you're still confused on what would be right for you etc. then I recommend popping into one of their shops or concessions if you're in London as I can definitely say the staff know their stuff!
So What do They All Do??
Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone*- Vitamin C is one of those products everyone is going crazy for right now as it's a powerful antioxidant that can help with anti-ageing, brightening and defending the skin against free radicals. However, it's important to know that some Vitamin C skincare products are not as potent as others and so they may not work as effectively on the skin. This is why I like The Ordinary version because what you see is what you get. It's potent, water-free and silicone free.
Application
It is recommended you apply this in the evening and I totally agree because of it's water and silicone free formula this has more of a silky primer texture and so it does take a little time to sink in. I usually apply this a few hours before bed if I can as it can leave a nice yellow mark on your pillowcase if it's not fully sunk in!
Initially, upon application, this does have a slight tingly sensation, almost like you want to itch your skin but this does go away after a few minutes, however, if you need more info on how to apply this and what to expect then there again is plenty of info on the website here. Additionally, there is also 5 other forms of vitamin C that may be better suited if this isn't for you.
Also it's worth noting this is not to be applied near or on the eye area.
Retinol 0.2% in Squalane* - Retinol and Retinoids are extremely hot skincare property too thanks to their amazing properties that can help with fine lines, wrinkles and photo damage. Years ago both, Retinoid and Retinol could only be accessed over the counter or prescribed by dermatologists but now thanks to The Ordinary you can now access many forms of both at insanely affordable prices.
Application
As per the instructions I have been applying this at night and switching up my routine between this and the Vitamin C Suspension (The lady in the Covent Garden shop recommended I only use this 2-3 times per week).
The 0.2% formulation is the lowest dose within the Retinol range and is water-free with a runny serum like consistency. Furthermore, just like the Vit C Suspension, I recommend applying this a few hours before bedtime as it can leave your pillowcase a tad messy the next morning.
It's also advised that you apply this before more weightier skincare products and after serums. As I mentioned this is the lowest dose of Retinol available and so only a mild irritation may occur, however, the higher the dose the more irritation you will experience.
I hope that makes a bit of sense with regards to Retinol and Retinoids, I am still myself only getting to grips with a lot of these more potent yet highly effective skincare ingredients. But if like me you wanted to know more about what each formula does, then you can find everything you need to know hereon the Deciem Website.
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution* - Salicylic Acid is known to help with spots, blemishes and can even aid in exfoliating the skin to reveal a more clearer complexion overall if used on a regular basis. Just like all the above products, this is not to be applied near the eye area and I also think an SPF is fundamental within your skincare routine if you are using any sort of acid, although I think this should be part of anyone's everyday routine whether you are using acids or not.
Application
You can apply this either at night or in the morning but I do prefer using this at night when my skin is clean and free of make-up. For spots and blemishes, you can dab a bit on to the affected area or if you want to use this for exfoliating the skin then you can add a small amount to the face just like you would a serum. (No rinsing required).
I had been using this for two concerns, one if I had a spot I would dab a bit on the affected area and leave it to work overnight. And secondly, I had been using this all over my chin area as I was suffering from tiny red pimples under the skin.
Please be aware this does cause a bit of irritation to the skin and so it is advised this may not be suitable for sensitive or overexposed skin, but as with all of these types of products, I think it's best to seek advice before investing in any type of acid or highly concentrated skincare formula.
Overall Results and Thoughts
Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone - Although I can't see any major differences in my skin with this one what I can say is my skin does feel more refined and brighter overall and I do love the potency of this formula, so much so that I have my second tube ready to go, but... I cannot score this yet as I need more time to fully evaluate and explore other possible formulas within the Vitamin C range.
Finally I do realise this product won't be for everyone and I have to admit I wasn't a fan of the texture and how irritating it was on the skin initially, but as I mentioned above Deciem continue to evolve and produce even more Vitamin C options to suit the customer based on feedback, it's just a case of finding the right formula and level for you personally.
Retinol 0.2% in Squalane - Out of the three products I picked up, the Retinol was the one thing I was most excited for as I am at that age now where I feel like I need to turbo boost my skincare routine. My forehead is my main concern as thanks to years of unknowingly frowning when I'm stressed I have developed a few fine lines in this area!
The 0.2% I think was a safe option to start with but for me personally, I didn't experience any of the effects I was hoping for, so while I can't give you a definite answer to whether this has worked for me I can say this has helped a tiny but with less visible frown lines and a more smoother forehead! I will keep you updated on this one as I do want to test out the 0.5% formula to see how it compares before I give this a final scoring.
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution -I love the Salicylic Acid as this is was the one where I saw the most difference. As I mentioned above I had been using this in two ways firstly to treat some under the skin pimples and bumps I had and then on various rogue spots.
I had only used this a hand full of times when I had the pimple concern and this really worked miracles at nipping the red bumps in the bud right away. My skin actually felt smoother and the bumps reduced in size right away and after multiple uses I'm happy to report they never returned again thank goodness!
As for the spots I use this whenever I see one appear right away. This honestly helps to reduce the redness and to get deep into the root cause of the spot stopping it right in its tracks.The trick is to catch it early.
I award the Salicylic Acid a 4.9 out of 5.
Overall for me, I feel The Ordinary has revolutionised the skincare market with up to the minute science led formulas and exceptional price points and while I believe I've only touched the surface with understanding the brand and what everything does, I do hope I've given you an insight and slight grasp on what I've learnt on the products I picked up so far.
Lastly, if you're still totally bewildered on where to start and what's right for you then I recommend a trip to one of their London stores or concessions, a good read of their website or even a quick DM or tweet would be a great place to start as from my experience Deciem have been nothing but helpful.
It's safe to say The Ordinary skincare has taken the UK by storm and if you haven't heard of the brand before then they are part of the Deciem umbrella which consists of a growing number of brands whose primary focus is skincare.
The Ordinary for me has revolutionized the way we see and buy skincare thanks to their non-fancy packaging and extraordinary price points and I'm already in the process of putting their skincare line through its paces so I will keep you updated with a final review here on the blog in the not too distant future. But first I wanted to share with you my final thoughts on the tremendously popular new serum foundation. This lightweight foundation is the 2nd foundation within their colour collection, so is it really worth the hype...
Price The Ordinary Serum Foundation retails for a very reasonable £5.70 for 30ml of product. This also has an SPF 15 and comes in 21 shades that cater from everyone who has pink to yellow, red and neutral undertones.
Packaging
Although The Ordinary's focus is the ingredients and price points more than the packaging, I think I'm in the majority vote when I say I really love the simple packaging. The foundations are also housed in black boxes to differentiate between the colour and skincare collections.
The foundation itself comes in a plastic bottle with a hygienic pump applicator for ease of use, but you can also purchase an additional dropper if you prefer applying it this way instead.
Application
Before use, be sure to shake the bottle as this is a serum foundation. I also recommend applying this to the back of your hand or a palette so you can pick up the product from there as the consistency is very thin and runny.
Upon application, the foundation has a lovely lightweight feel to it and it doesn't look greasy or over oily, however, I did have to powder down my t-zone area as it did look a tad shiny around this area. Overall this glides on super easily and looks lovely and natural, for me, it just looked like my skin but better!
This has a medium coverage and so it does cover imperfections or redness, however, if you do have the odd pesky spot I would suggest concealing them first with a heavier concealer and then going in with the foundation over the top. Also if you do suffer from acne I would maybe give the 'Coverage Foundation' ago as this is a full coverage formula, although I haven't tried this myself so I would suggest reading some reviews first.
I initially used this with a damp Beauty Blender but I have since tried this with a brush and I would say a damp sponge is the better option for this type of foundation for me personally, it just gives a more desirable finish overall.
Longevity
I wore this foundation for just over 8 hours total and it really did stay well with the exception of a little bit of shine towards the end of the evening.
Overall Thoughts
Overall I absolutely loved wearing this foundation as firstly this is such amazing value for money considering how much you get in the bottle and the fact there are 21 shades to choose from that have various different undertones is fantastic. Packaging wise I adore the simple yet informative box and if you require any further information about a product then you can also go on their website here or you can tweet Deciem directly. (From my own experience they are tremendously helpful).
Application wise the hygienic pump is great but just be sure to shake the bottle and apply this to your hand first. For best results, as I mentioned above I also recommend using a damp sponge to get a more flawless, even coverage, but overall this covers well but at the same time it still feels comfortable and natural looking on the skin.
Finally longevity wise I was really impressed with how this wore and if anything I thought this looked better as the day went on the only thing I would say though is because this is a serum-based foundation I do advise setting it with a little powder and carrying it with you for on the go touch-ups.
So if you prefer a lightweight foundation that's comfortable, natural looking and has a light to medium coverage then this is definitely for you! However, if you prefer a more full coverage foundation and you suffer from acne or you're prone to oily skin then I would say the Coverage Foundation would probably be a better option for you (I've linked both below). Either way, both foundations have an excellent shade selection and for the price what have, you got to lose!
I award The Ordinary Serum Foundation a 4.9 out of 5
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With so much hype surrounding this new affordable skincare brand, I was excited to learn that they are now available from ASOS also. I will certainly be picking up a few bits to try out including this 2% Hyaluronic Acid.
If you're a follower of my Instagram, then you'll know I live in my Quay All My Love Sunglasses in Rose Gold.. I adore the shape and reflective mirror lens and I totally squealed with excitement when I saw they now have them in blue too!
I've been on the hunt for a small silver tray for our coffee table as I've been styling it a bit different lately. I spotted this pretty silver tray from H&M Home that I think will go perfect styled with candles and flowers.
I've never delved into the Jouer brand, however I've been drooling over their new Skinny Dip Collection including this Rose Gold Highlighter, which has gone to the top of my wish list!
While I was in Edinburgh I took a trip to the new H&M on Princes Street. Much to my delight this store also housed a large homeware section. I spotted this adorable glass jug which I thought would look great doubled up as a vase.
These sandals are very similar to a certain designer pair but at a fraction of the price. I adore this style for Summer as they can be dressed up and down.
I think white jeans are just the perfect staple piece for Summer. I already own these in black, but I think now is a good time to finally invest in this white pair also.
