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Add The New York Post on Google 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’m doing something useful for my complexion; sometimes two well-chosen serums are enough.
And let’s talk about the price *one more time*, because that’s half the fun. Beauty doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, and this is proof. Snagging both the hyaluronic acid and niacinamide serums for only $16 makes it much easier to keep them stocked without feeling like my skincare routine is eating my budget.
For me, this is the definition of a good beauty find: affordable, easy to use, easy to layer and actually enjoyable to reach for every day. My skin gets its hydration, I get to keep my routine simple and my wallet gets to breathe a little. Everybody wins.
As one of the best in K-beauty, the medicube Pore Pads reduce the look of large pores, earning a spot in your skincare routine. Trust me, I reviewed nearly the whole brand (and plenty of pore pads).
When the inevitable blemish or clogged pore arrives, I wear these patches without shame. They work, squeeze all the gunk out (ew, I know), and are a product I can’t run out of.
Love ’em or hate ’em, these wipes easily remove all of my makeup from the day — including the essence mascara! — and never irritate my skin or break me out.
This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
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