Not so ordinary Ordinary skincare

Okay, hands up, it’s been a LONG time since I’ve written anything. Call it a case of writer’s block, or maybe it’s just being busy with life but I still haven’t quite worked out what I want my blog to be. However, maybe actually writing something will help rather than doing nothing, so here goes!

Instagram and the blogosphere has been awash with The Ordinary skincare by Deciem so back in July I jumped on the bandwagon and decided to give it a go … great skincare at a low price it promised; what’s not to love? And love it I do, but I have to admit, I’m still confused!

It was quite difficult to find much in stock so I ordered Buffet and Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and waited. Impatiently. Once it arrived, I couldn’t wait to start using it. I liked the packaging: clean, simple and quite clinical looking. But then I had no idea how they were to be used. On their own? Together? Under moisturiser? Luckily I was pointed in the direction of Nadine Baggott, a beauty journalist, and she had made some videos on the products, including layering skincare … just what I needed! Nadine Baggott How to layer skincare My out-take was that you need to go from water to oil, so use the clearest product first to the most opaque (that’s a sign it’s got oils in it), so clear serums, opaque serums, creams then oils. First step, all good. I’m learning!

After some research, I decided to use Buffet in the morning and Hyaluronic Acid at night, but not really based on much science. After cleansing (with Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish), I then used either of the serums immediately, while my skin was still damp and then used Clinique’s Moisture Surge on top. My skin is combination and can be very dry in patches, but I found a great balance with this and my skin feels really stable at the moment … no problem areas at all (I probably shouldn’t write that and tempt fate!).

At first, I think my skin was a little red after using them, especially the Hyaluronic Acid, but there was no tingling feeling. Within the first few weeks of using them, I also had a couple of really large spots under the skin (TMI? Sorry!), which I don’t usually get, but that could have been a coincidence. Neither product has any scent and the Hyaluronic Acid is a little more sticky and tightens very slightly as it dries but both feel nice on the skin. I have noticed a difference in my skin, especially on my neck, and think that my skin is clearer and smoother. Even my teenager has commented on how good my skin is, which is praise indeed, but it was said in an, ‘it’s not fair, why don’t you have spots too?’ kind of way!

Of course, because I was using two products, I can’t tell you if one was brilliant and one did nothing, but maybe that doesn’t matter. I think it’s a case of reading all about the products and deciding what’s best for your skin and giving it a go. Deciem offer a 365-day full refund guarantee and as they are so reasonably priced (between about £4 and £15), there’s not a lot to lose.

I ran out of both yesterday and didn’t know what to use last night, despite having a cupboard full of jars! I still didn’t really know what to buy so I have ordered the same again and also the 100% plant-derived Squalane, as an ‘exceptional hydrator and can prevent ongoing loss of hydration’ and the Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil, as my skin tends to get dry patches in winter and I find oils can help. I’m nervous about using some of the products with active ingredients and talk of peeling or tingling skin, but I will try something new next time. I think you need to take time to read about all the different products (there’s a lot of information on the Deciem website) and decide what’s right for you.

In essence, these products are a great price and it feels like you’re using much more expensive products. My skin looks and feels great and I’m definitely going back for more extraordinary Ordinary skincare!