Sparkled Beauty

Back in November, I told you about The Ordinary skin care. I have dedicated over 2 months to the regimen and now that I finished one of the bottles, it is about time to review them for you :)

Since I use the 4 products together in morning and night routine, it is hard to credit one product and not the other for the improvement of my skin. For this reason, I am reviewing more of the routine than individual products.

Before we start, please note the suggestion from the brand's product guide: water formulations (W, morning and night use) should be applied before oil formulations (O, any time use), suspensions (S, ideally night only) and emulsions (E, ideally night only). Maximum of 3 serum formulations in one regimen.

Now, the morning routine starts with the "Buffet" (W, 30ml, CAD14.80), a multi-technology peptide serum, combination of:

- Matrixyl 3,000 peptide complex (with Palmitoyl-Pentapeptide 35) and Matrixyl Synthe'6 peptide complex (with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38)
- Syn-Ake peptide complex (with Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate)
- Relistase peptide complex (with Acetylarginyltryptophyl Diphenylglycine)
- Argirelox peptide complex (with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18)
- Probiotic complex (with Lactococcus Lactis Lysate)
in a base of 11 skin-friendly Amino Acids and multiple Hyaluronic Acid complexes.

Phew, sorry for all the technical names but I thought it was necessary when I am not the expert of them in this case. What I do know is my skin appreciates all the peptides, amino acids and HA it gets in just one bottle here.

The gel-like texture inside is clear, does not take long to absorb and no residue is left behind. A great prep for the skin, I am ready to "conquer the cruel world" (or to get some zzz, depending on the time of day lol). This is the product I finished after a bit over 2 months with twice a day use, a few drops each time.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Acetylarginyltryptophyl Diphenylglycine, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, etc.

Next step: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (W, 30ml, CAD6.80). Yes, The Ordinary offers basic skin care ingredients, but don't underestimate this little gem as it includes low/ medium/ high-molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid, a next-generation Hyaluronic Acid crosspolymer and Vitamin B5 in an oil-free formula to provide and enhance multi-depth hydration.

I would drink this if it works that way from the inside out or it is not too thick of a (clear) liquid lol. A quick application and the skin is essentially hydrated, with the follow up of a moisturizer to finish the routine.

Ingredients: Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, etc.

At night, I start with the "Buffet" (W), then Advanced Retinoid 2% (E, 30ml, CAD9.80), a stable emulsion of next generation forms of Retinoid:

- Solubilized Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, a non-prescription ester of all-trans direct Retinoic Acid that offers a better effect against signs of ageing than retinol, retinyl palmitate and nearly all other forms of non-prescription retinoid
- a sustained-delivery form of pure retinol in a protective capsule system which supports both the delivery and the effect of Solubilized Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate.

Both forms of retinoid together can avoid the irritation associated with retinoid (including retinol) while delivering better visible results against signs of ageing. The liquid is opaque beige, a breeze to apply and absorb.

Ingredients: Water, Ethyl Linoleate, Propanediol, Glycerin, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Bisabolol, Retinol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Carrageenan, Acacia Senegal Gum, etc.

Lastly, the 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil (O, 30ml, CAD9.90).

You probably all heard about rosehip seed oil being rich in linoleic acid, linolenic acid and pro-vitamin A. And cold press is the way to go, as all the great ingredients above are preserved through the extraction instead of degrading when the extraction involves heat.

Glad to see an oil included in this routine, as I have grown to love them. Love the fact that it is exactly what it's called with just 1 thing in the ingredient list (Rosa Canina Seed Oil) and it does exactly what it says it would. No side effects, no breakouts/ oily aftermaths/ stain transfer, nothing.

My skin in the last 2-3 months has been more calm, hydrated, plumped, all in all younger looking, for the cost of $40 and some change. You tell me if the regimen is worth it :)