I am a huge fan of The Ordinary skincare. It’s affordable, it’s effective, it’s no BS.
I’ve got a whole post about the best products and how/when to use them. It’s the top 10 items based on research from their website, Sephora reviews and my own use. However, after years of consistent use I’ve discovered my personal ride-or-die products out of those favorites.
These 3 items are staples in my routine and I see myself using them forever. Warning – items 1 and 3 are STRONG, so please: 1- start slow, do a test patch, build up to how many times a week you use, especially if you have sensitive skin. 2- USE SPF. This is a non-negotiable always, but especially when using strong exfoliants. Also- I’m clearly not the only person who plays favorites because the below items are pretty much always sold out, so if you are interested in them I recommend signing up for restock updates because they go fast!
My 3 Holy Grail Products from The Ordinary
+ AHA/BHA Peeling Solution : Alexa, please play “I’m gonna love you forever.” True love. This is the real deal. Chemical exfoliants > physical exfoliants. Use it once a week to clear out, smooth and lift your skin. It is STRONG, will eliminate those top, gross dead skin cells. It leaves me feeling lighter, brighter, smoother, tighter- literally all the things you could ask for in a skincare product. I can pretty much guarantee you will notice a difference even after your first use of this product. REMINDER: fully dry you face before using this, don’t use more than 2x a week (I only do 1).
+ Niacinamide 10% & Zinc 1%: I have two words for you: SMALLER PORES. Maybe you’re a baby angel with poreless skin who isn’t interested in shrinking your pores, but for the other 99% of us- this serum is IT. I literally use it every day, sometimes twice a day. If you are one of those people that doesn’t want to use a bunch of different skincare products, this and a vitamin C serum could truly be all you need. Pore shrinking, glow enhancing and help your skin hold on to moisture.
+ Glycolic Acid Toner : My first post about the Ordinary I hadn’t been able to try this because it was always sold out. Finally got my hands on it and I’m never letting it go. Again, chemical exfoliation is a goddess. This gets rid of dead skin cells, makes you glowy, smooths texture, helps prevent skin congestion, reduces fine lines and pigmentation, evens skin tone- WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT. It is also said to help with keratosis pilaris on your body.
You can use this one every night, depending on your skin sensitivity. It actually helps your skin absorb the serums and creams you use following it, so if you can tolerate it nightly it’s a great first step (after cleansing) in your nighttime routine.
Let me know if any of these are your favs too or others I need to give a try!
Xx,
