Riding on the coat tails of a series one of my favorite YouTubers started, I’m creating my own little review station around here. I’m kicking it off with a skincare review on some bits I bought between one year and six months ago. Some were good and some were, a little meh. A little tidbit: I have oily combo skin with large pores and some hyper-pigmentation. So let’s get into it.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution – $8.70

This was my first acid product in my skincare regime and I use it at night around two or three times a week. Glycolic is an AHA and such doesn’t go deep into pores. I wanted a mild exfoliator that would help with my skin texture and appearance.

Their claim: Offers mild exfoliation for improved skin radiance and visible clarity. Improves the appearance of skin texture with continued use.

Verdict: Very Good. My skin has seriously improved in terms of glow and smoothness. There is sometimes a tiny sting, but nothing unbearable. A little goes a long way. I know it’s working because when I stop for prolonged periods, my skin texture slowly changes.

Repurchase? Yes.

COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap) – $20

With my skin being combo oily I tend to stick to water based and oil free moisturizers. I’ve seen all the raves about this brand so decided to start small.

Their claim: Helps maintain water deeply on and under the skin.

Verdict: It does just that. It applies cool and smooth and feels like a cold splash of water on my face. It dries down nicely and works well under makeup. I use this day and night. It’s a very light moisturizer so I don’t think it will be enough for normal and dry skin types.

Repurchase? Yes.

The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2% – $9.80

I use this at night when I use no other acid or Vitamin C products.

Their claim: Next-generation retinoid active technologies which have been shown to achieve better reduction in signs of ageing than retinol without irritation.

Verdict: My skin seems to be aging as it should and I feel this product hasn’t done much for me. The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are the same and continue to grow deeper as time goes on. I’m on the hunt for a new retinoid. The Ordinary has a myriad of new ones and even this one has a new name.

Repurchase? No.

The Ordinary Buffet – $14.80

I use this product every evening and some mornings.

Their claims: A peptide serum that targets multiple signs of aging at once.

Verdict: My favorite The Ordinary product so far. It leaves my skin plump, soft and bright. It also reduces the appearance of the fine lines around my eyes and forehead. This serum glides on wonderfully and disappears almost immediately. This is always my skincare item that finishes quickly and is repurchased.

Repurchase? Yes.

COSRX Good Morning Gel Cleanser – $11.00

I use this every morning and evening for a gentle low pH cleanse.

Their claims: To soothe, refresh and soften the skin without the stripping feeling.

Verdict: After use my skin feels very tight. This product had mixed reviews when i did my research but was recommended by a trusted beauty blogger so I thought to give it a try. It is in fact a gentle cleanse, removes dirt and grime and has a very muted scent, but my face feels like it needs A LOT of moisture right after. No like.

Repurchase? No.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water – $8.99

I use this a lot on weekend mornings when I haven’t worn makeup or left the house at all.

Their claim: Removes makeup, cleanses and refreshes.

Verdict: I’d start by saying it’s the only micellar water that didn’t irritate my skin. A little goes far and it removes gunk and grime pretty easy. I apply it with a cotton pad and although it says that I don’t need to rinse, I still do. I love that it is oil free and has no fragrance. Also no alcohol!

Repurchase? Maybe. So many on the market, I want to try a couple more.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – $5.90

I use this a couple times a week, usually on mornings. Usually when I don’t use my Vitamin C.

Their claim: Reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion.

Verdict: It started off doing that for me but as my skin got a bit used to the product, my blemishes returned and have stayed put. Without exfoliation, my skin feels congested even with this product.

Repurchase? No.

Timeless Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum – $25.95

The last Vitamin C I used went bad before it reached my mail box (bummer!) so I tested this one. I’m an over 30 woman so I need an anti-oxidant in my life. I use this every other morning.

Their claims: Evens skin tone and helps build collagen. Also contains vitamin E and Ferulic Acid, used to extend the life and effectiveness of vitamin C.

Verdict: I will admit the other ingredients do help with the lifespan of this product. My keeping it in the fridge could have helped too, but it lasted until it was all used up. Again this product started off on a tangent but quickly lost it’s steam and I felt as though it did nothing for my skin anymore.

Repurchase? No.

I purchased a couple other skincare items recently so they will be on my next review ( in three or so months). Here’s what I picked up:

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution – Haven’t tried acid peels before so again I thought I’d start small.

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid – New to BHA’s. I really want to get some deep pore exfoliation.

COSRX Triple Vitamin C Lightning Liquid – Testing out a new Vitamin C

So there you have it folks. My skincare review!

What have you picked up recently? Have you tried any of these products?

Thanks for stopping by!

PS ~ 10 Things I’m Loving – February and Valentine’s Day gifts!