The $16 serum duo I swear by for hydrated skin is anything but ordinary
My $16 serum duo has become one of those skincare pairings I keep coming back to, because my skin looks noticeably more hydrated, smoother and happier when I use them.The duo in question? The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum and Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum.Both have earned spots on Amazon’s beauty bestseller list, which feels fitting because these are the kind of affordable, no-nonsense products that make it very easy to see why shoppers keep buying them.If you’re a beauty lover like me with a bathroom bursting with balms, butters and better-for-your-skin products, these two products should be next in line.
They compare to serums upward of $100, and you can snag both for under $20.I start with The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum, especially when my skin is feeling a little thirsty.I apply a few drops to slightly damp skin after cleansing, then follow with the niacinamide serum, then moisturizer.
The texture is lightweight, and it gives my skin that fresh, bouncy feeling I want before I start piling on the rest of my morning routine.I also like using it at night when my skin needs an extra drink of water.Hyaluronic acid is one of my favorite ingredients for getting that hydrated, plumped-up look without making my routine feel heavy.
And because this serum is so easy to layer, I don’t have to rethink everything else I’m using.Next comes The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum.I use this after my hyaluronic acid serum, letting the first layer sink in before applying a few drops of the niacinamide.
This one is my go-to when I want my skin to look more balanced and polished, particularly on days when I’m dealing with excess shine or uneven-looking texture.The combination works for me because each serum has a different job.The hyaluronic acid brings the hydration, while the niacinamide helps round out the routine with a formula designed to support smoother-looking, more balanced skin.
I don’t need a 10-step lineup to feel like I�...