As part of the PRIMP (Pretty In my Pocket) network, I was recently given the opportunity to try the whole line of Paula’s Choice. I have never purchased a full skincare regime from the same brand because, well, who got all the money for that?! (Though I don’t have a problem spending on my collection of Harry Potter wands.)
To decide which products were fit for my skin type, I had a 10 minute skincare consultation with a Paula’s Choice consultant (by the way everyone can get a free skincare consultation by calling 1-800-831-4088) I told her that mainly I’m worried about drying skin, pores, and redness around the nose. The Hydralight Advanced Kit was recommended, as well as some extras for a boost of moisture and to help with skin imperfections.
The first step is cleansing; the Hydralight One Step Face Cleanser ($17 USD) is a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that removes excess oil and doesn’t dry up the skin. This is great for the long days at work when I don’t wear makeup; but it’s not strong enough to remove my foundation. It DOES contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which I know many people dislike.
I love using a good toner; which is always my second step in my skincare routine. The Hydralight Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner ($20 USD) is also fragrance free and has a formula including Green Tea extract, Willow Herb, and Grape Seed Extract. I like how soothing my skin feels after it; supposedly it can help prevent aging but I’m not at that age to notice that yet (soon though….)
I would think that the third step was going to be a moisturizer, but…it’s a daily exfoliant- Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Lotion ($26 USD). BHA (beta hydroxy acid AKA salicylic acid) an exfoliant and targets pores, blackheads, and milia. I’ve never ever used a product that contains acid (except on my legs,) so I was a bit scared and there was that acidic smell when I applied it on my face. So I’ve been building tolerance now by using it daily at night (you’d think it’s like drinking alcohol…) and my skin has felt smooth and I swear my nose is not as oily as it used to be…I touch my nose throughout the day to assure that. This is used under your daytime/nighttime moisturizer.
The daytime moisturizer, the Hydralight Shine-Free Daily Mineral Complex SPF 30 ($30 USD), is your basic lightweight moisturizer with the sun protection. There is a light sunscreen scent to it, one that doesn’t bother me. It says that it leaves a “soft, matte finish” but I still look a bit shiny (not oily!) The moisturizer kept my skin not feeling dry in a typical day. I still forget to wear SPF over my regular moisturizer, so having a 2 in 1 product makes it so much easier (and healthier!)
For nighttime, the Hydralight Moisture-Infusing Lotion ($28 USD) is an effective moisturizer that absorbed into my skin quickly. It isn’t heavy and almost feels too light (which is why I’ve been using the Moisture Renewal Oil Booster with it.) The one problem- I noticed a bit of bumps on my face after using this for a few nights. 🙁 I don’t have sensitive skin so I’m not sure what really caused it; unless my pillow case got really dirty overnight.
Luckily, Paula’s Choice seemed to address issues like bumps and also sent me Resist BHA 9 Treatment ($42 USD) to fight bumps, spots, redness, and wrinkles. My forehead is a continuous desert of rising bumps and crap and this treatment shrunk my bumps within 2 days, as well as the spots on my face. The one thing that bums me out is the packaging, the pump expels a dribble of liquid that runs down my fingers; I was hoping to get that pea sized amount but I pretty much got a pea pod. Other than that, this product works (for me!)
Last but not least, the Resist Moisture Renewal Oil Booster ($35 USD) is by far my favourite product I’ve tried from Paula’s Choice. I love oils (hair, body, face, food…) and this little guy didn’t disappoint. Two drops over my moisturizer and I’m guaranteed to wake up with soft skin. This bottle will last a long time so it’s so worth the investment if you’re looking for a facial oil.
Overall – I have a great impression of this brand now and my favourites are definitely the Moisture Renewal Oil Booster, BHA 9 Treatment, and the Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Lotion. Although not every product in the lineup was perfect, it’s good to know that these products are also friendlier to your wallet than the other big name brands! Paula’s Choice covers ALL skincare concerns, whether it be aging, rosacea, or acne (check out their acne products for a $13 trial kit with free shipping!) Should the product not work for you, there is also 100% money back guarantee within 60 days.
If you are interested in trying Paula’s Choice, I have a code PRIMPFALL20 for 20% off + free shipping when you shop online, until Dec 31.
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