The Ordinary is certainly that.

[MrsGloop]

So I drank the Kool-Aid, believed the hype and invested in a number of The Ordinary products. And my foundation pills every time I apply it and my skin is not only not improved, but more congested! Is there anyone else who’s distinctly unimpressed with this range?

I have very oily (used to be spotty) skin. TO niacinamide made a real difference to the amount of oil, and I have far fewer spots. I've just started with a couple of anti pigmentation products, fingers crossed. I think it's about knowing what your skin might benefit from and trying that. I cba with a regime involving 6 products either.

I think it's decent value for money if you know what you want. I don't like their marketing schtick though, constantly banging on about integrity. Bollocks. They're a skincare company, their primary objective is to make money, otherwise they'd be a charity.

I think a lot of ppl have problems because they are using far too much, without patch testing and gradual integration. If you don't understand about retinoids/retinols, you could certainly cause a lot of damage and I think the website could be more helpful, but it is up to us as adults to do some research.

I did a lot of research before buying and contacted them to ask about products. Out of 4 I asked about, they suggested I needed only two, which was very pleasing. They certainly don't push extra products, it is consumers who think they need to buy everything!

I've actually moved on from TO to Korean products, which I absolutely love and seem to suit my skin sooo well. But I completely credit TO with sparking my interest in skincare, leading me to learn and understand more about good/bad ingredients, fillers, fragrance, good/bad alcohols etc.

I've tried a few things - the buffet is OK, the retinol did nothing for me. The rosehip oil is good but I don't like the smell, and I wasn't keen on the moisturiser. I tried the acid toner but find its a bit harsh, I prefer the pixi one. However I have the serum foundation and I love it - the perfect coverage for me and they do a pink toned base which is just ideal for my skintone and is usually quite difficult to buy. I bought it from the shop in Covent Garden so I could test and would definitely buy again.

The ordinary i very good is you understnd your skin and skincare. And if you are willing to give products a few months to check how effective they are for you.

If you have no understanding and like to chop and change frequently then it not something that will work for you.

The retinoid in squalene is amazing. I went through a week or so or hideous purging at first, but after that it was fab.

I have used a whole bottle of Buffet. Can't say it did a thing.

I like the acid peel.

Best vitamin c serum I’ve used is the hylamide, which I think is made by the same company (deciem). Also quite reasonably priced, lasts ages.

I think my Buffet will last 6 months - I think it is good value. Caffeine made noticeable difference to dark circles. Too scared to use the retinoids regularly but no bad reaction. I like the dropper as it means I use small amount. One drop of each product each time.

@AnnieDog
For clearing skin I used salicylic acid, azelaic acid (both very gentle), niacinamide + zinc, also AHA30+BHA2 (that’s fairly strong but after the first use you can see it’s easy to use - make sure you cleanse your skinh properly though, otherwise it stings!).

I also liked Paula’s choice skin perfecting (salicylic) gentle one and the stronger one for bigger breakouts but I found them on the pricier side. Do not get put off when your skin gets worse before it gets better - it happened to me, basically all the crap that’s been underneath the top layer has to come out. Now I get an occasional period spot but nothing like before.

I think the following are good, if only because they are so much cheaper than similar products in the market (which also work well):

Vitamin C serum
Glycolic 8%

I have tried the Buffet, but I didn't use it that much. My mom took it from me. lol.

Got the caffeine stuff and the other potion specifically for fine lines on forehead and eyes. Have a few other things. I never know how I should use it but I got that victim in c suspension too. I think that's a once a week thing. I think...

I love the bits i use

Its cleared up my face beautifully

Im not sure about all of it but my two favourites are the nicamide and the azlaic acid (bet ive spelt it wrong)

They are the two i have recommended to friends but i do use other bits

I have just started with some products, no change so far but I've only had them about a week. My biggest problem is figuring out which you can mix and which you have to keep separate

I joined the FB group and was stunned at how many products some quite young women are using and the time spent each day.

Are you meant to put moisturiser on after using Buffet ?

I really like TO but I do think that it's skincare for nerds - you need to be able to assess your own skin and know which actives will be most useful. I wouldn't trust a photo assessment by someone who never met you.

I really like the 0,5% retinol in squalane though I initially thought they'd forgotten to put the retinol in as it was so gentle. I can see the results though. I also use the niacinimide/zinc daily for brightening, the Marula oil when I feel a bit dry (almost never, with the squalane) and I have the alpha lipoic acid which I use about once a week. The retinol led to a bit of purging but I expected that so it was fine. Other than that, my skin glows and the lines that were starting to form have gone. I really like it and will probably try a few more products when I reorder next.

I was on the FB site but had to hide it as it was almost deranged in its intensity.

I have had a flare up of rosacea (damn you, red wine). I slathered on TO hyaluronic acid + B5 and it's almost gone.

What l did learn from the FB site was the importance of a good SPF.
I’ve gone back to basics with my skincare , but started using a 50.
That has made a difference, in the short amount of time l’ve used it!

Yes, me too. I use Clinique City Block every single day of the year - never used to.

Buzz what kind of improvement have you seen? :)

buzz

The 40spf one?

Eloise yes, you'd need a moisturiser after Buffet. It's a serum but doesn't do the same job as a moisturiser.

What is Buffet supposed to do? I’ve used up 1.5 bottles , joined the FB group , yet still , l’m a little confused?

I mean. I thought it was good for my skin, but l got nervous about products being pulled/ reformulated, and didn’t know what might disappear next?
As nothing penetrates the skin, what will it do superficially?

Thanks Bagel- how soon after Buffet do you put the moisturiser on so it won't slip.

It needs to totally soak in eloise
If you can leave it 15 minutes, all the better!