My number 1 skincare product!

“Smooths skin texture, evens tone, and enhances luminosity actually works wonders.”

Once I hit my 30s, I entered the era of stopping the clock and preserving my youth and beauty. I spent all of my 20s using sunbeds, no sunscreen, and any kind of oil I could get my hands on to keep my tan. Enter my 30s, and suddenly, it has all caught up with me, or so it feels. Pause for appreciation for aging gracefully.

I have tried lots, and I HATE spending too much money on this kind of thing because for every product I seem to research, I find out it’s just a marketing ploy, and there are just as good products for a fraction of the cost. Products aside, the only thing I have spent money on in the past is Botox, but I do usually find on-it deals or via training schools because, again, how are these 20-year-olds doing life and affording these so-called ‘preventatives’. I have also gone off using it because I have done it twice since I had my daughter. It hasn’t lasted as long as I have other wanted items I could put the money towards, so I currently put Botox on hold to enjoy some more attainable items rather than wrinkles on my forehead I iron out for a flash in the pan.

So, as I was saying, I have tried lots. I love The Ordinary products; they don’t hurt the pocket, and I do see results. I’m not saying other higher-end products don’t work, but I have dabbled into the word of Drink Elephant and usually visit Sephora and Mecca demanding a magic potion to freeze my face, but alas, nothing has quite delivered.

I was away recently for 7 weeks which is a long time to leave your beauty routine behind for, I had to make big decisions on what I would take. I opted for a mini set I found on iHerb. It came with a smaller travel hyaluronic acid, retinol, and vitamin C, and to be honest, for just over $5 per 10mk bottle, it did a great job. I used eye cream daily and face oil at night to lock it all in and lots of 50+ in the day (because we need to protect our faces).

It wasn’t until I returned home, back to a full wardrobe, skincare routine, and pillow, that I realised the most AMAZING product I had been using on and off for the past four years. I had been travelling for 48 hours with my husband and baby, so it’s safe to say I was ready for a shower and bed, but I also wanted to hydrate my skin and face to hold onto any kind of holiday glow I didn’t lose on the aeroplane.

I started with my half-used, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, followed by eye cream, some hyaluronic acid and then just a basic CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum (basic but so good). The next morning and 6 hours of sleep later (yes my daughter was wide awake early), my face was glowing. But how? It took me a hot minute to think through what I used in my sleep-deprived mode, and there it was in the corner of my vanity, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner. It was you all along, I have heard and read reviews of this toner and the magic it works. I had started using it again post-pregnancy to maintain the pregnancy glow. I was quickly losing to the sleep deprivation of being a new mum. I didn’t realise the difference it had made after not using it for the 7 weeks I was away! My only other note is that I use the amazing Kmart Organic Cotton Exfoliating Pads. They have a rougher side, which I do believe aids in the magic of the toner, but that’s just my opinion.

So there you have it, this daily glycolic acid toner that smooths skin texture, evens tone, and enhances luminosity actually works wonders. I have noticed the texture of my skin and pores had improved from being away, and my face was brighter and glowing! And can I add only $13.70 for the 100ml? What a steal!

Application: Every night as Step 1, with the Kmart Organic Cotton Exfoliating Pads cut in half so I get double the use (sustainably conscious)