The Ordinary “Buffet” (Part II)

The Ordinary “Buffet” (Part II)

Following my  last review of a disappointing product from The Ordinary, I cannot wait to share with you a product I have really enjoyed from the line. Not sure if you can see from the photo below, but my bottle of Buffet is almost gone. Unlike other products from The Ordinary which are mostly sourced from simple ingredients/technology, Buffet is a “multi-technology peptide serum” which serves your skin a cocktail of peptides, amino acids and hyaluronic acids.

What The Ordinary says/product description:

• A multi-technology peptide serum to target multiple signs of ageing at once.
• The technologies are Matrixyl 3,000 peptide complex, Matrixyl Synthe'6 peptide complex, Syn-Ake peptide complex, Relistase peptide complex, Argirelox peptide complex, Probiotic complex, in a base of 11 skin-friendly amino acids and multiple hyaluronic acid complexes.
• The total concentration of these technologies in the formula by weight is 25.1% (bang for your buck!)
• Directions: apply to the entire face in the AM and PM after cleaning.
• RRP $24.90/30ml (available from Priceline, Myer, The Ordinary store and online)

My experience:

First off, the texture feels lovely – slightly thicker than the Advanced Retinoid 2% and Lactic Acid 5% serums, but lighter than a gel serum. My skin just drinks this up very quickly. I feel that it provides excellent hydration in this winter weather, probably because of the hyaluronic acid in it. My skin feels soothed and looks quite radiant and supple after using this serum.

In terms of the anti-aging properties, I actually do think it works. My fine lines around my eyes appear smoother after I apply this serum but again they have not disappeared. My face as a whole feels a bit more “lifted” in general. Considering the price, I think Buffet is a great entry-to-mid level anti-aging serum that delivers results in an enjoyable formula.

Sadly, I can only use it at night because I find my sunscreen and foundation pilling if I use this serum in the morning. I have tried it with different moisturisers, sunscreens and foundations, and they all pilled to different degrees. From reading reviews online and talking to friends who also use it, it seems like I am the only one who experience pilling from Buffet. So don’t let this stop you from trying this great serum. I apply this serum every evening, after my toner and an acid serum (such as retinoid or lactic acid), follow by a moisturiser.

Repurchase? Yes! I will stock up tomorrow with the Priceline 40% off skincare sale, hopefully The Ordinary is not excluded from the sale.

The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2% (Part I)

The Ordinary has received a lot of hypes recently in the beauty world. And it is for the right reasons. The Ordinary is a sub-brand of the bigger parent company Deciem, whose concept I am totally fond of – no BS, straight up effective ingredient in a simple bottle (my word, not theirs). The Ordinary range is priced at a very reasonable price point, and the products target specific skin concerns. Earlier this year, I found out they had a concept store in The Rocks (Sydney) and on the same day I visited the store and splurged. Yes, even though each product is well priced at around AU$15, they do add up when you buy almost every product in the range. I have been using the three products pictured below for the last four months and my experience has been mixed. Today, I’d like share my thoughts on the Advanced Retinoid 2% first because it is the one I had high hopes for (and more on the other products soon).

What The Ordinary says/product description:

• A Stable Emulsion of Next-Generation Forms of Retinoid: The Ordinary website has a lot of useful and detailed information for the product. I recommend reading the information on their website before buying their products.
• Two active ingredients: (the below doesn’t really make sense for me…but I am sure some skincare junkies know their ingredients!)
• Solubilized Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate is a highly-advanced form of retinoid which is, in fact, a non-prescription ester of all-trans direct retinoic acid that offers a multi-fold 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.
• Caution: Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Sun protection is particularly important when using retinoids. This product must not be used in conjunction with other retinoids including retinol or retinoic acid. This product is not a treatment for acne. Acne-prone skin may experience a temporary increase in acne during the first few weeks of using any form of retinoid including those used in this formulation.
• Directions: Apply a few drops to face in the PM as part of your skincare regimen. Do not use with other retinoid treatments. Use sun protection in the AM.
• Price: AU$17.90/30ml from The Ordinary store, Priceline, Myer and online retailers.

My experience:

We have all heard about the proven benefits of retinol/retinoid products. It is a strong and effective ingredient targeting skin concerns such as lines and wrinkles and general anti-aging. I have had positive experiences with other retinol products previously, but the Ordinary’s version was a little disappointing.

It is a water based serum that is oil free and alcohol free. It is milky white in colour and very liquidy in texture. I started by using this serum every second day, and only at night. It is absorbed very quickly. To be honest, I did not see any result. Unlike other retinoid products which gave me radiant and supple skin, I did not see any results from The Ordinary Retinoid 2%. My skin was not sensitive to it either. My skin just had no reaction to it.

After using it every second night for about three weeks, I increased my usage to every night. This time my skin was reacting. It was a little red and sensitive to touch. I even had a few minor breakouts since using this retinoid, and I rarely break out. I have heard from reviews that skin tends to breakout/react before you see a result from the Ordinary’s retinoid, but I have given it a good two months and I have not seen any real results. So I switched back to using it every second night, or sometimes twice a week only, and my skin is back to normal.

Overall, The Ordinary’s Retinoid 2% is not my go to product for a drug store retinol/retinoid treatment. For a drug store alternative, I much prefer the Avene Ysthéal Anti-Wrinkle Emulsion or Cream which was gentle and very effective (but slightly more expensive).

Repurchase? No. I will finish my current bottle but will not buy again. (But if you fancy trying this one out, Priceline is having a skincare sale 40% off this Wednesday to Friday 2^nd Aug to 4^th Aug!)

NeoStrata Bionic Eye Cream Plus (4% PHA)

This eye cream is a relatively new introduction to my skincare routine. Now, I have some pretty serious dark circles (as a result of caring for a toddler and Netflix binge watching), so I value my eye creams and they have a special place in my heart. It is a skincare step that I am prepared to invest in, and have invested in throughout the years. I have tried quite a few eye creams – high and low ends, and this eye cream surprised me.

What NeoStrata says/product description:

• Gentle, effective eye cream with cucumber, yeast extract and green tea to help hide dark under eye circles and target puffiness.
• PHAs (3% Gluconolactone, 1% Lactobionic Acid) to target wrinkles, hydrate and strengthen.
• Pro-vitamins A, C & E provide potent antioxidant protection.
• Suitable for eye puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and crows feet.
• RRP $55.95/15g (though I purchased my tube from Priceline when they had the 40% skincare sale –bargain!)

On NeoStrata’s website, they make some very ambitious claims:

• Clinically Proven: Lighter, Brighter Smoother Eye Area in 4 weeks.*
• 88% noted reduces eye puffiness and reduced eye wrinkles.*
• 91% said it brighten and lighten the under eye area.*
• 85% said it revitalises tired skin around the eyes.*

*Study of 33 subjects using 2x daily over 4 weeks.  Data on file NeoStrata Inc.

My experience:

I have been using this eye cream for the last two months and it really succeeded my expectation. I have heard good things about it before purchase, but did not have high expectation for it.  Because let’s face it - even the most high end eye creams have disappointed us in the past (I am looking at you La Mer).

This eye cream has a fluffy cream texture which is quite unique. It is fluffier than an average cream product, but thicker than the texture of a lotion. It spreads beautifully on the skin and gets absorbed quickly without any oily residue. Using it alone, it is just moisturising enough for me in this weather. Sometimes my undereye area feels a bit dry, I will layer an eye serum underneath this eye cream. I can’t wait to use this eye cream in spring/summer because it would provide just the right amount of hydration for me.

The biggest difference I saw was my dark circles. No, they have not disappeared. But I really do believe this eye cream has helped to brighten my eye area. I am not sure whether it was the PHAs, vitamins or the yeast and green tea extracts, but my shadows do look lighter and I look more awake in general. Those with dark circles will know – it is very rare for an eye cream to work on dark circles. Almost all claim to reduce dark circles, but I rarely see those claims being delivered. But this eye cream did! And for the price, I have no complaint.

In terms of its anti-aging claims, I have three to four fine lines around my eyes and I don’t think this eye cream has made them disappeared. The lines are still there if I look closely, but definitely not as obvious, and I am happy with that. Due to the PHAs in this product, I make sure that my eye area is covered when I apply sun protection in the morning. I might be a bit paranoid but better safe than sorry right?

This eye cream can be easily found in Priceline and most chemists. The retail price is on the higher end of the scale for a drug store product, but it is worth it. I am not sure about you, but I will be buying a (or two) backup in the next Priceline skincare sale (which is rumoured to be in the beginning of August!).

Repurchase? Definitely.

La Mer The Renewal Oil

Let’s start the blog with a favourite of mine. As you can see from the picture, I am about to finish a bottle and already have a backup bottle waiting in line. Considering the price tag of this face oil, buying a back up before it is finished says something – I love it!

What La Mer says/product description:

• This dual-phase elixir blends Miracle Broth™ and sea-sourced actives, unleashing a wave of activity to infuse skin with youth.
• Collagen production improves, helping soften the look of emerging lines and wrinkles while visibly firming skin.
• Day by day, skin's natural barrier becomes more resilient. Miracle Broth energises skin's repair process.
• Soft and ultra-smooth, skin glows with new vitality. Aromatic and soothing, the Renewal Oil enriches everywhere it is applied, creating the possibility of infinite bespoke skincare rituals.
• Direction for use: Gently shake to activate. Sweep 3-5 drops over face and neck morning and evening. Massage this nourishing formula into hair, cuticles and dry areas of the body as needed.
• RRP AU$325/30ml

My experience:

While this oil can be used almost everywhere when needed (hair, cuticles and body) as recommended by La Mer, I mainly use it for my face and neck because of the whopping price tag. I have combination skin in summer and dry skin in winter and enjoy using this oil in all seasons. Its texture is surprisingly light, lighter than most facial oils I have used (for example, Trilogy’s rosehip oil and Sisley Black Rose Oil). It has an interesting dual-phase blend which you shake well to mix before applying a few drops to face. I believe it is the dual-phase texture/technology that makes this oil lightweight but really nourishing and moisturising at the same time. (SK II's facial oil also sports this dual-phase technology and I am keen to try it next!)

In summer/spring, I apply 2-3 drops and use it as a serum before moisturiser. When it gets really hot in Sydney, I use the oil as a moisturiser alone and it does not make my skin oily at all. I wake up with supple and radiant skin in the morning (something a godsend for parents with toddlers!). In winter/autumn, I use this oil in the mornings and evenings as a serum, followed by a moisturiser, or sometimes mixed with a moisturiser. Foundation goes on beautifully smooth after this oil, definitely no pilling for me. I have also tried mixing a few drops with my foundation and it gives the most radiant finish to the skin.

In terms of the anti-aging claims, I think La Mer’s claim is accurate. It is not hailed as an intensive anti-aging treatment. Instead, it repairs collagen production in the skin which helps to soften the look of lines and wrinkles. It will not diminish your lines and wrinkles after a few uses but it will make them look more relaxed and as a result skin looks firmer.

Its packaging is hygienic, efficient and elegant. The scent is light and very relaxing. Once it is applied, I do not notice the scent at all.

It is such a versatile product and I have recommended to my friends who have dry skin, sensitive skin, combination skin and oily skin. Almost all loved it (except one dear friend with oily skin who found it a little heavy for her liking). It really ticks all the boxes for me (except for the price!).

Repurchase? Yes, already have.

The journey starts here...

Hello, and here we are. Starting off the new financial year 2017 with a new blog! I blogged briefly (MSN space!) when I was in high school, and after reading blog posts about beauty, life, current affairs and whatnots every day for the last decade, I have decided to create a blog for myself.

Yes, me, a young(ish) woman, living in Sydney, working full time and mother to the most incredible, adorable and funny toddler daughter. It sounds incredibly selfish but I do really hope to dedicate this blog to all the things I am passionate about. It will be mostly about beauty, since I have been fascinated with skincare and makeup since high school. It will be about lifestyle. It might be about life and parenthood – the journey I am on with my lovely daughter. It might be about completely random things.

Let us enjoy every moment of this journey.