The Ordinary Smooth and Bright Set

[StressedGMOOH]

I'm 52 and have never really had much of a skincare routine and managed to get away with it until the last couple of years. I work in education and visit different schools and sign in on their ipads in reception which take a photo of you for the visitor ID card. Dear God, I look rough!! I'm sure they're programmed with a special filter to make you look haggard!!

Anyway, I invested in The Ordinary Smooth and bright set today from Boots. It has niacinamide 10%, hyaluronic acid 2%, caffeine solution for the eye area, salicylic acid masque and a natural moisturing factors HA. The box doesn't have instructions, the website doesn't have this set and youtube doesn't have any videos on this set.

Has anyone used this particular set before? Or does anyone have any advice on using the products - which can be used together, which separately, frequency of application of each etc.?

Thanks

Both the hyaluronic and niacinamide say to use morning and evening. But can they be used together and, if they can, which one first?

Sorry, these are probably really stupid questions, but the word acid is making me hesitant.

I've used this set. It was also a starter in proper skincare for me (mid 40s) and I found it confusing too. This set made a big difference for me and I've now moved on to similar products from la Roche posay and my skin looks so so much better than it did.

The Ordinary website has a lot of info but here is how I've used them - very inexpert summary coming up!:

Hyaluronic acid is like a moisturiser - at least, it helps retain moisture and plumps up the skin. I would test it a bit gently at first to see how it works with your skin, i.e. apply in evening only for first day or two. I now use it morning and night. As it helps retain moisture you can put a 'real' moisturiser on top. For same reason i put niacinamide on second but i don't use this as frequently. I use it evenings only and not every night. I do use it if I think a spot is appearing and it seems to calm the skin.
Caffeine eye solution I use if I'm wearing make up. It does work though.

Hope that helps a bit. I have sensitive skin so always tread carefully with new products but had no problems with this set.

I bought the set, it's great value. I plan to use like this....
After cleansing apply the hyaluronic acid while skin is still damp. (You could use the eye serum at this point) Follow with the niacinamide. Although it says hyaluronic 'acid' it's a molecule that attracts moisture so doesn't exfoliate or anything like that, like other acids do. this is why I apply on damp skin straight after cleansing)
Finish with the Natural moisturising factors cream. This is the daily routine and can be done first thing in the morning and after the evening cleanse.

The salycilic acid mask I plan to use once per week across my t-zone because it gets oily. This has an acid which helps to control oily skin.

I hope that is helpful somewhat

@MrsMiagi @lifeafterdivorce good to know you've found it helps.

I've just applied the masque (comes off in 2 minutes). Can I just go ahead and apply the three serums followed by the moisturiser? How much of the serums should I use?

You can apply the 3 serums yes, as its designed to be a full routine. You would only need maybe half a pipette of each (less for the eye serum) as as a little goes a long way. What I would say though is to use one product for a while before introducing another. That way if you get a reaction you know what has caused it. I have used the ingredients before (not all from The Ordinary) so will still leave at least a week between introducting each product because formulations differ. I do have sensitive skin though (apologies if I have jumped the gun and you have already patch tested!)
If I used the masque tonight I wouldn't use anything else in the set and see how my skin feels in the morning.

I slapped it all on😬Just a few drops of each, nowhere near half a pipette. My skin feels ok so far. I've never had sensitive skin so fingers crossed.

You should be fine if not sensitive, I just have to be careful because I learned the hard way haha!
Hope you enjoy the skincare. My skincare products are usually expensive brands so I am trying to massively reduce my costs. This set was such good value I couldn't resist. I have been very impressed with the moisturiser and hope the rest are just as good!

The ordinary have great customer service. If you message them, they'll get back to you with how to use it/ what order etc.

Just googled it as need some new Ordinary products and that's a bargain on Boots!!!! Will nab one myself. Thank you!! 🤣

No adverse effects today. I used the serums and moisturiser this morning, then applied foundation and a bit of concealer a couple of hours later. The foundation went on better than it has been. My skin does feel smoother.

Now wondering if I should add retinol to the routine.

Just make sure to use sunscreen daily OP, especially when using exfoliants like salicylic acid.

Awww that's cute!!

Sorry, that wasn't supposed to be a reply to this post 😂😂😂

@LightSpeeds I did wonder 😂

I thought I was on WhatsApp and was posting about a kitten!