It has been quite the minute since I published a lifestyle post, and I wanted to share some skincare products that I took the liberty of purchasing on Sephora online.
With Spring officially here, it is the appropriate time to hit the reset button and make improvements in my life. Between COVID-19, lockdowns, and working remotely, I can confidently say that I have been complacent with life.
However, with more daylight, warmer temperature, and as plants starting to bloom; I have made the conscious decision to improve my quality of life with the goal of increasing productivity, boosting self-esteem, and being more optimistic as I embrace the coming seasons.
SephorA HAUL
With that being said, I purchased some new affordable skincare products from The Ordinary skincare line that I plan to incorporate into my skincare regimen to improve the overall health and appearance of my skin.
THE ORDINARY
The Ordinary is a brand owned by parent company Deciem, which is an umbrella of brands focused on advanced functional beauty.
The Ordinary offers effective clinical technologies, setting itself apart in the skincare industry with honesty and integrity as its core values.
In an industry where clinical skincare formulations are positioned as high-end products which may be unattainable for price-conscious consumers, The Ordinary exists to bring to the market effective, more clinical technologies at honorable prices.
As The Ordinary evolves their collection of treatments, they will continue to be positioned as the brand known for clinically formulating with integrity.
Now, before I get into the products I would like to provide you with a quick overview of current skin and what I would like to achieve.
SKIN OVERVIEW + SKIN GOALS
To provide some context in reference to my skin; I have dry, dull, textured and uneven skin. As well as blemishes caused by a mild case of acne, and hyperpigmentation around the mouth/chin area.
I specifically selected products that would potentially reverse most if not all facial skin problems for a more youthful, even, and radiant looking complexion.
Disclaimer:
As far as seeking professional advice, please consult an esthetician or a dermatologist, because I am neither of the two.
I have received positive feedback through word-of-mouth about The Ordinary product line, not only because they are affordable, but because they are effective!
With the exception of one product that I repurchased from The Ordinary line, I am yet to try out the new products I purchased for a length of time – to determine the integrity of the products, as skincare products take time to work.
Without further ado, let me share with you what I purchased; price, size, key ingredients, claims, and application.
1. The Ordinary
Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% | $10.00 CAD
Size: 1 oz/ 30mL
The Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% is a lightweight vitamin C serum with two key ingredients:
Pure L-Ascorbic Acid is a form of vitamin C — an effective antioxidant and skin-soothing agent that improves visible signs of skin aging while brightening when applied to the skin.
Purified Alpha Arbutin is derived from plants and is a safe brightening ingredient which reduces the looks of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and aids to brighten the skin and enhance overall skin tone.
Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% claims to visibly target:
• Hyperpigmentation
• Dark spots
• Uneven tone
• Signs of age
How to use: Apply a few drops to the face in the AM and PM as part of your skincare regimen. Avoid eye area. Use sun protection in the AM.
2. The Ordinary
Lactic Acid 10% + HA | $6.70 CAD
Size: 1 oz/ 30mL
The Lactic Acid 10% + HA is a high strength peeling formulation which contain two key ingredients:
Alpha hydroxy Acid (AHA) which is a water-soluble acid made with sugary fruits. The acid serves as an exfoliant – removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, in order to bring new, evenly pigmented skin cells to the surface.
Hyaluronic Acid is safe to apply as it increases moisture retention – promoting healthier and supple skin.
The Lactic Acid 10% + HA claims to visibly target:
• Uneven tone
• Textural irregularities
• Fine lines
How to use: Apply once per day, in the PM. Can be diluted with other treatments to reduce strength until skin develops tolerance. Avoid eye area.
3. The Ordinary
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque | $12.50 CAD
Size: 1.7 oz/ 50mL
The Salicylic Acid 2% Masque is a mask formulated for blemish-prone skin.
Salicylic Acid is known to be a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), an active ingredient that penetrates deep into the pores – targeting acne, and sloughs off the excess oil and dead skin cells on the surface revealing more radiant skin beneath.
The masque also contains charcoal and Amazonia clays which is said to enhance the appearance of smoothness and clarity, leaving the skin feeling rejuvenated.
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque claims to visibly target:
• Lackluster tone
• Textural irregularities
How to use: Use once or twice a week on thoroughly clean, DRY skin. Apply evenly on the face using fingertips. Avoid eye area. Leave on for no more than 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
4. The Ordinary (Repeat purchase)
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution | $8.70 CAD
Size: 8 oz/ 240mL
The Glycolic Acid 7% is a toning solution with a pH of 3.6 which contains glycolic acid, an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that exfoliates to improve the appearance of the skin’s texture, for clear and radiant looking skin.
In addition, the toning solution is made up of amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng, and Tasmanian pepperberry.
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution claims to visibly target:
• Textural irregularities
• Lackluster tone
How to use: Use ideally in the PM, no more than once per day. After cleaning, saturate a cotton pad with solution and apply on face and neck. Do not rinse off. Continue with additional skin treatments as needed.
Review: This product is a repeat purchase, and I can confidently say that I have noticed improvements with the texture and tone of my skin since using.
The only reservation I had with the Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is the sticky feeling it leaves on the skin after use; however, if you are the type to follow up with a moisturizer after applying a toner, you will not have this problem. As for me, I like to complete my skincare routine with the toning solution, rarely do I apply a moisturizer at night (personal choice).
In The Comments Below
Let me know if you have tried any of the products listed and if you found this skincare haul helpful for your future skincare purchase(s).
Leave a Reply