Out of The Ordinary ... Skincare

Have you heard of a brand called The Ordinary? 

Up until a month ago I hadn't, however in the beauty world it's hard to miss a brand which has a massive 25,000 person waiting list for their new foundation, yet to be released here in the UK.

Of course I immediately signed up to the said waiting-list! I need to find out what all the fuss is about!!

In the mean-time I thought I'd give some of their skincare offerings a go. I have to say I am impressed. The names for their products are simple, packaging plain but sleek. But what I love is you know exactly what you are getting in terms of ingredients. 

According to their website the idea is to layer the products depending on the skin issues you wish to tackle and best of all the price is amazing. So for 3 or 4 products it's actually affordable to layer them probably for less than a high end skincare product. Only you've chosen the specialised ingredients to match your skincare concerns. Win-Win I say!

So based on my current skincare routine I was lacking in a retinol. I am acutely aware that as I age over 30 I'm going to need to reinforce my age defence on the skincare front. 

So here is what I chose... 

As you can see packaging is very simple, but I think it is appealing and I enjoy the openess of their products. No fuss, no frills.

Retinol 1%

As I said I'm a lady over the age of 30 looking to start using more anti-ageing targeted products so I thought I'd start with the lower 1% retinol they offer and see how I get on with that. So far so good. I've been using this gel like treatment twice a week for the past 3 weeks. I haven't experienced any ill effects so far and it seems to be a fairly gentle retinol.

High Adherence Silicone Primer

A thick, creamy smoothing primer. I apply this before my foundation and it really helps to make my foundation last throughout the day. I feel it helps the foundation not to settle in my pores or creases, which previously I felt it did, highlighting issues I wanted to cover up. Best of all is the price, at only £3.90 you really can't go wrong!

Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

A slippy oil / cream suspension, as you can see from the swatches photo, it starts off a white creamy consistency  then as you rub it in goes an oily see through shade. Has a slight grainy feel to it as you put it on your face. These are the vitamin c spheres. As a rule vitamin c tends to be unstable however the ordinary have developed a unique delivering system. Which is really working for me. I noticed the effects from this the first night I used it. The next morning my skin felt super soft. It's really helping me tackle stubborn dry areas and since using my makeup has been applying with ease. An absolute steal at £4.90!!

Natural Moisturising Factors + HA

A lovely creamy moisturiser which contains multiple amino acids, fatty acids, triglycerides and more importantly for my dry parched skin,  hyaluronic acid. This last one is what helps to hydrate the skin as it can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water. I have been reaching for this moisturiser over  my more expensive ones. It does what it says hydrates the skin without feeling smothered or greasy. Its a really nice moisturiser and a £4.90 price point is amazing.

Swatches

Top to bottom:

Silicone primer, Vitamin C, Retinol 1% and Natural moisturising Factors HA

I really like the simpleness of their products, low key packaging and clear, understandable ingredients list. I like having the option to layer products according to my skin concern. It makes their skincare adaptable and with their price point it's very tempting to add several products to your skincare line-up.

Their foil seal keeps the products fresh inside until you are ready to open them. Easy to use squeezy tube packaging, no need to faff with pipettes etc!

I am seriously impressed with The Ordinary their skincare offerings have fast become my favourite products to use in my routine. I'm excited to try more and with their amazing prices, why not?! Simple affordable and best of all high quality. I'm eagerly and impatiently awaiting their foundation!! Their skincare is far from ordinary.

Have you tried anything from The Ordinary? What would you recommend.

Garnier New Sleeping Night Cream Moisturiser Review

Anti-ageing & De-Tiring are the two words that caught my eye on this new skincare release from Garnier. 
Not really sure 'De-tiring' is an actual word but I took it to mean rested and well.. not tired!

Promises to:
Rehydrate, revive, illuminate, rejuvenate , firm and smooth.

After first application I was actually surprised how smooth it made my skin feel. But what intrigued me the most was the texture of this cream .... it's a cream but almost a gel consistency almost like really thick custard. 

You can turn the pot upside down and it doesn't budge, believe me I tried!

As for the cream itself, it smells divine. Not over powering at all, (we all know I am very particular about smells). Almost a fruity fresh scent with a hint of lavender. Once applied it's not sticky or greasy and best of all won't end up smeared all over your pillow or hair as it sinks in quite quickly.

So what's in it?

LHA :

This acts a bit like salicylic acid in that it decreases the bacteria concentration within the pores. Great if you suffer from spots.

Adenosine:

Is an anti-inflammatory ingredient

Albizia:

Helps to improve the texture of the skin

Hyaluronic acid:

Adds intense hydration to the skin whilst plumping

Ruscus extract:

Helps to boost the skins circulation

Jojoba oil:

Softens your skin without clogging your pores, as-well as being anti inflammatory

Essential lavender oil: 

Helps to promote sleep and helps with anti-ageing too

The idea of a sleeping cream is the body does its best rejuvenating work at night. Cells get renewed and your body reverses free radical damage caused throughout the day. 

Overall, it is a lovely hydrating night cream that does a great job of moisturising your skin whilst you sleep. I have only been using it for a few weeks now but I like it, hasn't irritated or caused any spot breakouts.

Have you tried this night cream? What did you think?

Indeed Hydraluron Jelly Moisturiser Review

Indeed

 Hydraluron Moisture Jelly

I had a small tube of the original Hydraluron serum which I used up. 

Saw this was new plus a third off in Boots so thought i'd give it a try.

First of all: Hydraluron by Indeed Laboratories is a moisturising serum that contains Hyaluronic acid.

This is an incredibly hydrating ingredient that can hold 1,000 times its weight in water.

It helps to plump up the skin, nourish and hydrate. 

Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the dermis. It acts like a sponge by absorbing and trapping water. Its quantity and quality decrease with age which is why the majority of wrinkle filling products contain hyaluronic acid.

So onto the new moisture 'Jelly' version.....

What it is.....

A clear 'jelly like' daily moisturiser. Great to use both morning and night.

It's suitable for all skin types, is lovely and hydrating to slather on. Skin definitely feels smoother, softer and slightly plumper.

I like how lightweight it is and doesn't feel gloopy or sticky. 

You can apply your foundation afterwards and doesn't feel greasy.

I just love how the pump action works on the pot. Have to say it did take me a short while to figure out what i was supposed to do!! Eventually I figured out that it presses nicely into your palm to dispense the jelly to use. Such a great novel idea and is much more hygienic than sticking your fingers into a pot!

A you can see it's a gel like consistency that sinks nicely into the skin without feeling sticky or greasy.

Have you tried the new 'jelly' version of Hydraluron?

 Highly recommend it as it's a lovely hydrating and refreshing drink of water for the skin.

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.

Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo