Upgrading My Skincare Routine With The Ordinary as I Head Towards My 40s</a>

As I entered my late 30s I decided that I needed to improve my skincare regime and could no longer rely on the hope that I inherit my grandparent's youthful looks! I've always had a simple routine, basic face wash, followed by Oil of Ulay for years. I've never been experimental with products or bought anything premium, we're an au natural type of family!

I first started to hear about The Ordinary after I followed Trinny Woodall on social media (I also love her Trinny London make-up, but that’s for another day!) I was really attracted by the no frills ingredients and reasonable price point. Plus I love the packaging- they look straight out of a science lab! So last year I gave it a try and I’ve been so impressed that my collections been gradually expanding.

My Skincare Regime

As a novice to proper skincare routines I wasn’t really sure where to start or what I needed from The Ordinary’s range, but they have a really good guide Regimen Guide to get you started, which suggests products to use for your specific needs and importantly what order to use them! I chose to follow the Signs of Aging Regimen, but they also have them for Congestion, Antioxidant and Hydration. If you need more tailored support they also now have a Regime Builder to help with specific issues.

Here's my must haves:

Squalene

I was a bit dubious when I ordered this about how effective it would be at removing my make up- but it’s better than any other cleansers I’ve tried and easily removes mascara (even waterproof stuff!). It’s an oild based formula, you only need a small amount, rub into your hands apply to a dry face and rinse off with water. I absolutely love it!
50ml £5.50

Buffet

This is a peptide serum which I use morning and evening after cleansing with the Squalene. This is my no-fuss catch all with a mixture of amino acids and hyaluronic acids. I use 2-3 drops on my face and neck and it absorbs easily into my skin. A 300ml bottle lasts me around 6 months.
30ml £12.70

Caffeine Solution

This was an additional product to the standard Regime and the product that I was most excited to try! I’ve always suffered from dark circles and get little puffy pockets above my cheekbones when I’m tired. This is the first specific treatment I have tried, other than concealer to reduce the darkness. I’m so impressed with this product, I began to see results quite quickly, but they definitely increased more with continued use, so much so that even when I was sleep deprived with a newborn my eyes never looked particularly dark and there was absolutely no sign of the puffiness I previously had. Highly recommend!
30ml £5.80

Hyaluronic Acid

I added this into my routine about six months ago wanting some additional hydration. I admit I was a bit scared of the 'acid' part, but it’s great. I put it on every morning after Buffet, before my make-up. My skin feels like it has a soft hydrating film over it, in a good way!
30ml £5.90

Rose Hip Oil

Initially I was a little bit scared to try some of the stronger oils like retinol and had seen this recommended as good all round daily support. I use this only in an evening after I’ve cleansed with the Squalane and used Buffet. It feels a bit heavier than the other products and takes a couple of minutes to absorb but it really nourishes my skin and is quite relaxing before bedtime.
30ml £9

As you can probably tell I adore all the products and am definitely a The Ordinary convert! I’ll probably add or change my routine as my skin matures and requires more support, but for now my skin has never been better, it feels balanced and I no longer suffer from any break outs. If you’re looking to upgrade your routine, go and give them a try!