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You may have read my evening skincare routine and my morning skincare routine before this post. These are both amazing skincare routines that have worked for me, but I couldn’t help myself. One night in bed, my iPad lured me onto skincare sites and I bought a whole new skincare routine! It has worked a treat! Most of these products are from the brand, The Ordinary and even though the total was costly, it was worth it.
Before we get into this post, I’d like to say that my skin is oily so not all products may work for you. Also most of these products are from the Ordinary, not all.
What is The Ordinary?
The Ordinary is a skincare brand that primary makes skincare serums/treatments containing acids at different concentrations.
All the products are cruelty free and most are also fragrance free which, I recently learnt, is better for your skin. They take pride in revealing all ingredients clearly and at an affordable price so anyone can achieve the skin they long for!
Morning skincare routine
I like to keep my morning skincare nice and simple. That is why this routine only consists of 4 products.
Cleanser
Ironically, we’re starting off with a product not from the Ordinary. It is, however, from a very similar brand called The Inkey List.
The cleanser is the Salicylic acid cleanser*. You may have heard that this product is a holy grail ingredient for acne and I can vouch to it! This cleanser is great for oily skin and acne.
I chose this cleanser over the Squalene one from the Ordinary is that the Squalene cleanser is better suited for drier skin. As you latter it up, it becomes oilier in texture and since I have oily skin, that was not appealing to me at all.
Serum
If my skin is looking particularly bad, I’ll use the salicylic acid serum by the Ordinary. I’ve incorporated this into my skincare routine for over a year now and it’s a holy grail product. Now I have the salicylic acid cleanser however, I only use this when my skin is bad. This is because it dries your skin a lot and can make your acne look worse. Exactly what we don’t want!
Currently, the Ordinary’s salicylic acid serum is being updated. If you’re wanting to incorporate salicylic acid into your skincare routine promptly, I’d recommend the Revolution version*. It’s slightly more expensive but it does work just as well and is easy to get a hold of right now.
Sunscreen
Hyram (skincare by hyram) has drilled into me now that you can’t skip sunscreen out of your skincare routine! Even if you aren’t leaving your house, you still need sunscreen. The light from your phone can cause damage to your face and how many days do you go without using your phone? Exactly. SPF is a must.
I use the Ordinary SPF 30. Thankfully, I don’t burn easily and therefore wanted the SPF 15. When I was in my deep, dark online shopping haul however, that was sold out so I just went for the SPF 30. The Ordinary don’t sell anything less than SPF 15 and this is the minimum recommended SPF that you should add to your skincare routine.
Moisturiser
The Ordinary’s natural moisturising factors + HA* is, I think, the only proper moisturiser that the brand offers. They have many moisturising serums too however you also need a moisturiser paired with these.
My skin, as I’ve previously mentioned, is very oily. This moisturiser is not greasy at all and restores the moisture that the salicylic took from it. Because of this, my skin is a lot less greasy in the day.
I’d recommend buying the larger version of this as it will save you money in the long run!
Nighttime skincare routine
Cleanser
Again, I use the salicylic acid cleanser by the Inkey List*. If I wear makeup, I’ll use my Soap and Glory makeup remover.
Mask
I use the Ordinary’s AHA and BHA mask* 2x a week. I have a review of this mask on my other blog so if you’re really interested then I go into lots of detail there.
This is seen all over social media but it is often seen being used wrong. You only need a very thin layer of product and you only leave it on 10 minutes. Do not, let it drip down your forehead towards your eyes like Instagram influencers do. If it makes your skin tingle, it’ll make your eyes burn. Make sure to read the instructions/advice before you use this.
I also have the inkey list overnight blemish treatment that I also use to keep breakouts to a minimum. This works an absolute treat, I haven’t seen a breakout in weeks now!
Toner
Recently, this toner has been named a dupe for the Pixi glow tonic and it’s the Ordinary’s glycolic acid*. Personally, I think it’s had the same results. Toner doesn’t really do a lot to benefit my skin, usually I can take it or leave it. For me, it cleans the last traces of makeup off my face so that’s why I use it.
I’ve found that this refreshes my skin and makes it feel really clean. At the low price tag it’s sold at, I can’t complain.
Serum
Another holy grail! The Ordinary’s niacinamide and zinc serum* is amazing for acne. I went for the bigger version as I find that I get through this so quickly because I love it. Like the salicylic acid serum, I have been using this since last year. It has transformed my skin!
Because of its amazing results, this sells out quickly. Revolution do their own version of this and I’ve also found this one to work well too. If you can’t find the Ordinary version anywhere, the Revolution one is a good alternative to add into your skincare routine.
Moisturiser
This one, again, isn’t an Ordinary product. It’s the Oh K! Soothing balm. Like the Ordinary products, it’s fragrance free and it also contains zinc which is good for your skin.
Instead of being moisturising, this is hydrating which is often better for oily skin. The brand states that this moisturiser is specially formed for blemish-prone skin. It’s had very positive reviews and I’ve found it to be good for my skin too. The lightweight formula keeps my skin nourished and means I don’t wake up with very oily skin.
What to try next?
My next venture I think will definitely be the caffeine solution. I’d love to incorporate this Ordinary product into my skincare routine as I have huge and dark eye bags. This has reviews claiming that it works magic and completely erases them. To me, that’s exactly what I need! This also has a lot product for the price. You’ll also be only using this on the eye area so it’s going to last so so long! This will definitely be in my basket in my next haul!
What’s your favourite skincare brand?
What an insightful post, thank you for sharing! I definitely want to try out more of the Ordinary products xx
I 100% recommend! Xx
Now I want to do a massive The Ordinary shop for new skincare. Absolutely loved this post 🙂
Thank you! It’s amazing! Xx
Great post very well presented and great review.
I should use skin products more but my skin is sensitive to many products.
https://www.wattophotos.co.uk/
Thank you and look for ones good for sensitive skin! Xx
Loved the information and the products sound awesome!! I’m serious about fighting the fight and love products that have acids!! I will definitely keep these in mind! Thanks!
No problem! Definitely recommend them all! Xx
I love to read skincare reviews!
Me too! Xx
I really love the Ordinary, and although i find they have pretty hit or miss products I never really mind because they’re so cheap, so If something doesn’t work for me it isn’t a big deal! I have oily skin too and my absolute holy grail product from the ordinary is their Hyaluronic acid, it’s so hydrating and doesn’t make me breakout at all!
That’s so true! I love the niacinamide! Never tried the hyaluronic acid! Xx
I really enjoyed getting an insight into your skincare routine. I have oily skin too and haven’t used the majority of these products before so will definitely be looking into some. I used to love The Ordinary’s Niacinamide but the last few times I have used it has broke my skin out terribly. The Caffine Solution didn’t really work for me, I didn’t see the results everyone was sharing online 🙁 x
Thank you! The niacinamide needs a little time to adjust to your skin xx
I’m so glad The Ordinary has worked for so many people! Sadly it didn’t work for me and made me break out. I do like their silicone primer though – that was fine for me!
🌿 Marissa Belle × marsybun.com 🌿
Ah that sucks, it works wonders for me xx
Love this post, thank you for sharing! I learned so much from you xx
Thanks for reading! Xx
I’ve heard so many good things about the moisturiser that you’ve included in this post – I’ve been stalking it for a while! I’ve used a few of their products and really enjoyed them. I love how they’re good quality and incredibly budget friendly x
I really like the Ordinary Hyaluronic acid serum, such good value for high quality products! I’ll definitely need to look at more of their range after reading this!
100% recommend them! Xx
Everyone’s recommended this so need to look into it! Xx
Lovely post! The Ordinary is such a nice brand and I love hearing your opinions about it. I’ve tried the caffeine solution and I love it and a little really goes a long way!
I need to try it! Xx
I love The Ordinary Hylauronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum, it has really helped my dehydrated skin and works so well. The Ordinary have some great products that are really affordable x
Steph | http://www.stephhannam.com
So true! Xx
I looooove The Ordinary! Great products at a really good price point. I also like that they are a no-fuss range and I don’t get breakouts from their products. My favorites are Azelaic acid, Glycolic acid toner, AHA 30% + BHA 2% mask and of course Niacinamide.
Yes I love the mask so much! Xx
As of right now, I’ve only tried the Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid serum and it’s one of my favorites. I really want to try more of their products and because of this post, I’m pretty sure which one I want to try! Thank you for this. 🙂
xoxo Simone | https://beautymone.com
No problem! Xx
I haven’t tried anything from them yet, but I’m so looking forward to! Loved reading this post.
Thank you!
I also wanted to try the Ordinary products especially the cleanser. I have acne and need products that contain that ingredient.
It’s a really good one! Xx
I’m always on the lookout for good skincare products as my skin gets used to them really quickly! I have had my eye on the ordinary skincare stuff for a while so this post has convinced me – I think I’m gonna start with the cleanser as I’m yet to find a good one!
Thank you for sharing <3
Em x
https://planningwithem.com
Yay! Deffo recommend xx
Great post! I love ordinary and currently use their serums. But want to try the cleanser and mask too.
Yeah I love them! Xx
Wow ! That was very informative thank you ! ☺️
Glad you thought so! Xx
I’ve always wanted to try The Ordinary products, I might just have to try a couple after reading this! Especially the toner if it’s considered a dupe for Pixi Glow Tonic. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
No problem! Xx
I have been wanting to try The Ordinary for a while – good to know you recommend their products!
They’re amazing! Xx
Thanks for sharing this. I have been looking for a solid routine and your well written article helped me out a lot to decide what I want
I’m very glad! Xx