Fancy my (The Ordinary) Skin Care Haul - The Ordinary by DECIEM

"Find joy in The Ordinary."

Finally! As promised, here's a separate review of the The Ordinary products I am using. YES MERYL MAGANDA KA BA BAT KA BUMU-BEAUTY BLOGGER PEG?! LMAO. Can't help it. If I'm into something which I know will be of help to others, I won't stop talking about it. And, you have my word, I do not recommend stuff that I haven't experienced myself yet. Also, I am brutally honest so when I say it's good, it's good. It worked, it really worked.

I could safely say I have found my holy grail in these items. As mentioned on my previous post, I have very sensitive skin and it is once in a blue moon that I come across a product that won't cause me to break out badly. [You'd have to see my acne scars to keep up with me saying I break out badly if I use items I am not hiyang to] TO keeps my pimples in control, and based on my observation, healed them even.

First things first - What is The Ordinary?

I guess the question there is, who started TO? The people who came up with these products are very us - fed up with the false promises the skin care industry offers. You maybe seeing commercials or websites that advertise an item, and depends on how good it is, you'll find yourself buying. Then you'll end up disappointed because it might not give you the satisfaction you need. These founders are our people.They rely deeply in the integrity of what their product promises and proudly, they are able to live up with it.

The Ordinary is a line of budget serums by Deciem, a boutique which offers variety of beauty products. And when I say budget, I mean STEAL. A typical serum that works magic costs around 1,500-3,000php. But these, only range around 400-900php. Now the question is, is it worth the rave? I'd kill Khaleesi's dragons to justify my YES.

Ok but wait - What are [face] serums?

Serums are liquid, most with watery consistency that is designed with higher concentration of active ingredient(s) that penetrates deeply into the skin. So imagine this: You use this certain beauty item that promises to give you, say, a lighter skin tone. What makes this product give you a lighter skin tone? For sure whatever it is, it's that product's active ingredient BUT with other stuff in it. So serums, in a nutshell, is consist of one or two active ingredients ALONE, therefore targets more the specific skin need.

You maybe used to your good ol' facial wash and cleanser, nothing more nothing less. You might be thinking I'm being maarte for having extra stuff or even a "routine" that I strictly follow on my daily regimen. [Serum serum pa no, lande.] Bish, I maybe. But what you need to know is the skin needs more nourishment than the basics and care the same way your tummy needs food. So imagine you eating only fruits everyday, unless you eat tons, it might not give you the same energy that protein or carbs do. I am not saying your current regime is not enough, it might be. Your skin is different from mine, it might have different needs based on it's state, but I guess my point here is, I feed my skin with the care I believe it has to have, even more, with guidance of science.

As of this writing, there is a total of 29 The Ordinary products, and more to come as per their website. You've read a little about two of currently five [Oh diba, ang bilis ng progress LOL] that I own on my last post but today, I'm here to talk about them all, in order of purchase.

Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%

WHAT IT DOES: Exfoliates the skin, making way to bright, even tone. It contains tasmanian pepperberry that is known to reduce inflammation associated with exfoliation so needless to say, they help each other out.

Don't let the word ACID or EXFOLIATION intimidate you. I personally did not feel any tingling or sensitivity upon usage so it's not as complicated as you think it is. There is a stronger 10% formula but I opted to try the 5% as I am an acid virgin and I wanted to see how my skin will react first and boy it did well. I suggest you do the same if you are an AHA virgin, too. It also has a PH that is low enough to be effective. [Oh, technical. Let's not get there. Let's just say, skin care prods have PH or acidity too that you need to be educated about, for you to know how to layer them correctly. I DID quite a research about it, I suggest you do too.]

SCENT AND TEXTURE: Smells a little weird, but not unpleasant. It has a light watery consistency which gave me no trouble spreading out to my skin evenly.

RESULTS: It has quick, visible results and if there's one product I'd recommend to people, it's this. I was in the midst of a bad break out when I started using and it calmed my pimples down. It gave me a nice glow despite of having visible pimples that time, up until they were almost dried out.  This is also the item that got me acquainted to the importance of sunscreen, which I do not use unless I go straight under the sun [beach]. There is an increase chance of sunburn when using AHA products so please, please use sunscreen. You wouldn't want to damage your skin more, do you.

REPURCHASE?: Defo. But as I mentioned on my last post, I'll purchase the 10% next time :) I still have about 50% of the product at the moment.

PRICE: 30ml Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% for 450php, purchased from an online re-seller from an FB group. [Note that re-seller prices may vary]

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

WHAT IT DOES: This basically is Vitamin B3 which offers multiple benefits for aging skin. It also claims to reduce appearance of blemishes while Zinc balances sebum activity.

SCENT AND TEXTURE: Smells nothing, and is light watery even the transparency hence very easy to spread.

RESULTS: This improved the texture of my skin after a week or two of usage. Yep, that fast. The marks are still there but the bumps were gone and my skin was instantly smooth to touch. This is one of the most hyped variant of TO - actually no, IT IS the most hyped, and I can see why.

REPURCHASE?: I definitely would, but I'm thinking of purchasing other TO variant that is close to what Niacinamide has to offer.

PRICE: 30ml Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% for 540php purchased from an online re-seller from an FB group. [Note that re-seller prices may vary]

Advanced Retinoid 2%

WHAT IT DOES:  Retinoid is known as an anti-ageing ingredient that combats fine lines and evens out skin tone. And though Deciem has a disclaimer that it is not an acne treatment, it lived to it's claim that it controls pimps, too.

Retinoid has a reputation of being an expensive active and the moment Deciem released their price point, many consumers were drawn to it. And it did not fail their expectations. It is the gentlest retinoid serum as per reviews.

SCENT AND TEXTURE: Of all the TO items I'm using, this one has the strongest scent but is tolerable. It has a semi-thick milky consistency but just like the others, it is easy to spread.

RESULTS: Warning to first time users: You may (or may not) experience purging which is normal when you use actives. I did, but as soon as it subsided, boy I'm impressed. No new pimples popped out for a week or two except when it's the time of the month [suuuucks] but nevertheless, they shrink back right away after the hormones go cray. I am beyond happy I pulled the trigger and tried this.

REPURCHASE?: I definitely will continue to buy this.

PRICE: 30ml Advanced Retinoid 2% for 700php, purchased from an online re-seller from an FB group. [Note that re-seller prices may vary]

100% Organic Cold‑Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

WHAT IT DOES: From seeds of rose bushes, it is known to correct dark spots and hydrate dry, itchy skin, all that while reducing scars and fine lines.

SCENT AND TEXTURE: It has a thick consistency with a very earthy smell. I make sure I use minimal amount as this tends to be really sticky.

RESULTS: I've been looking for a good cold pressed rose hip for so long as I have heard good stuff about it combating acne scars. And since TO have pretty much made it's reputation good to me, I went on with this one.

I am very sensitive with thick products especially oils, as it can be comodogenic and that's probably why I noticed slight bumps the day after. I was scared to continue but went for it anyway because faith.  I also make sure, as mentioned above, that I put minimal product and let it dry out before I lie down to sleep. [I do not like the feeling of it sticking on my pillow case] Luckily, I can safely say it became friendly with my skin after some time. It keeps it moisturized and I notice the plumpness upon waking up. This item is organic, so it may take it's time to take effect but there is already noticeable improvement on my acne scars though not in total.

REPURCHASE?: I will, if after I finish this bottle and see it living it up to it's claims fully. I want to keep at least one oil in my regimen as much as possible.

PRICE: 30ml 100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Oil for 700php, purchased from an online re-seller from an FB group. [Note that re-seller prices may vary]

Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

WHAT IT DOES: Brightens the skin tone and improves blemishes. It kills bacteria infecting the pores therefore helps in treating acne.

SCENT AND TEXTURE: It has a thick consistency but is silicone based so it doesn't really feel sticky. It has a matte finish and smells hmm, okay.

RESULTS: I am shooooookt! LMAO. I was reluctant to try this at first due it being silicone based, but when I saw and read reviews of Asian women using it and claiming it's effective, I gave it a go and I'm glad I did. All cystic pimps during the time of the month that blossoms dried out overnight and were cowardly taken aback. It could be a little drying but nothing that a moisturizer can't handle.

REPURCHASE?: Big Y A S.

PRICE: 30ml Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% for 500php, purchased from an online re-seller from an FB group. [Note that re-seller prices may vary]

What the heeeeeellllll, Meryl?

Okay, okaaaay, you may find it a little overwhelming, all these products and varieties, I understand. Skin care world could be a little  treacherous for the naive at the same time could be incredibly frustrating. Believe me, I was on the edge of giving up and just let break out consume me and let age heal them. I am just glad I have came across the knowledge of the need to take care and feed my skin with what it needs. I hope you do too :) Here's how I started:

1. Know what you want. What's your target? What do you want to achieve? 
2. One word: internet. Read reviews so you could safely pick your poison. 
3. Regardless if it takes a while or right away, be patient. Watch and feel your skin heal. 
4. Invest. A good skin care comes with a price and regardless it it's cheap or costs quite a fortune, once you see it give you what you want, I promise, you won't regret spending on it.

I am not a big fan of make up [I'm too lazy] and only go along with BB Creams and lip tints but when I started using The Ordinary, and as soon as I saw the improvement, it's the first time after awhile that I feel confident going out without any. My next target now are the scars. BOY THESE SCARS. Ugh. There are improvements already thanks to TO [nothing my BB cream cannot cover, unlike before.] but I swear it shall vanish completely. And with that, I'll keep you posted. ;) Lalaban!

Here's my (semi) updated routine:

AM

• Wash 
• FOODAHOLIC Brightening Acerola Foam Cleanser
• COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gente Cleanser [alternate days]
• [Reviews to follow!] 
• Tone
• Dickinson's Witch Hazel Toner [Review HERE!]
• Actives
• The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
• The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% [alternate days]
• Sunscreen with SPF50 [I forgot the brand, I just won it from an FB group's raffle lol]
• Moisturizer
• Nature Republic Aloe Gel with a drop of Elujai Propolis [Review HERE!]

PM 1

• Wash 
• FOODAHOLIC Brightening Acerola Foam Cleanser
• COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser [alternate days] 
• Cleanse
• Son & Park Beauty Water [Review to follow!] 
• Tone
• COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner [Review to follow!] 
• Actives
• The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%
• The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
• Sleeping Pack
• Laneige Water Sleeping Mask [Review to follow!] 

PM 2

• Wash 
• FOODAHOLIC Brightening Acerola Foam Cleanser
• COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gente Cleanser [alternate days]
• Cleanse
• Son & Park Beauty Water 
• Tone
• COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner 
• Actives
• The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2%
• Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum [Review to follow!] 
• Oil
• The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold‑Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

So anyway, to sum up my love for The Ordinary:

PROS:

• Non-irritating
• Easily absorbed by the skin
• Visible results in no time
• Not sticky perfect for Ph's humidity [except the oil based so use it on PM!]

CONS

• Can't think of any except it might be a little hard to find these items here in the Philippines but what I can assure you is they are just around. You just have to look! [I recommend Shopee though it might be a liiiittle pricier]

That is it! You might notice new items I included on my routine and that's up next for reviews! ;) Message me for questions, if you have any. ;) Tata for now!

x M