My new skincare discovery

Just when you think you’ve got your skincare routine sorted, along comes another brand to blow everything out of the water.

I discovered Paula’s Choice a year or so ago. I avidly read their Beautypedia reviews and am guided by their suggestions and commentary.

Paula’s Choice are all about following research and being strict about avoiding ingredients that irritate the skin and contain fragrance. They are frustrated that deteriorating and sensitive ingredients such as antioxidants, vitamin C and peptides are packaged by many companies in a way that allows them to breakdown and spoil pretty much the moment you open them. Paula’s Choice hate jar packaging of serums and moisturisers with a passion. Oops Estee Lauder!!

I noticed I was getting low on serum and thought I’d give a Paula’s Choice serum a go. I sent the company an email asking for advice on a skincare routine based on my skin type and symptoms which at the time was oily, aging and dehydrated. They suggested the Hydralight range.

Following that advice I picked up a Hydralight Advanced Kit. And at $135 it was such great value. The kit contained cleanser, toner, exfoliating acid, SPF (day) moisturiser and night moisturiser.  It came with a bonus retinol serum sample.

Well knock me over with a feather, I cannot believe the difference these products have made. My skin was pretty good to start with but the Paula’s Choice products they have taken it to a whole new level.

The biggest difference for me is that my oily-shiny skin now seems to have become closer to normal. I don’t get shiny part-way through the day like I used to.

I’m not sure if it’s because my skin is more hydrated and therefore not over compensating with oil or because it’s better pH balanced or less irritated by the ingredients, but the change is phenomenal. And my makeup primer, which I had to use, is no longer needed.

So here’s my review, product by product:

Hydralight One Step Face Cleanser – I use this as a second or morning cleanser. It has a gel-like texture and my skin seems to soak it in. I rub it in for a while until it starts to create a bit of friction. I remove it with a warm wet face washer. This cleanses my skin beautifully without stripping it and make it feel tight. The individual price is $43.

Hydralight Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner – I put a few drops onto a cotton pad and rub it all over my face. I’m not too sure what this product does but I assume it probably changes the pH and neutralises the skin to get it ready for exfoliation. I apply it morning and night. Individual price is $28.

Skin Perfecting 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Lotion – I put a small amount of this all over my face and leave it on. It has an interesting smell which is presumably the salicylic acid. Salicylic works well on clearing pores and exfoliating the skin – perfect for those prone to blemishes. I apply this in the morning. This has helped to keep my skin super smooth. Individual price is $36.

Resist Intensive Repair Retinol Serum – I got myself a trial version to try and was surprised by the oily texture. At first I thought this is going to be too oily for my oily skin but I was surprised how it sinks in and I don't look like an oil slick.

I absolutely love retinol as it's a fantastic anti-aging ingredient and having it included in a serum is genius. I ended up purchasing the full 30ml size as it’s a winner for me. I apply it at night. Individual price is $56.

Hydralight Shine-Free Daily Mineral Complex SPF15 – a very light liquid moisturiser with sunscreen. I keep pouring it everywhere because I always expect a moisturiser with SPF to have a thicker consistency. It doesn’t leave a white sheen on my face at all like some sunscreens can. Probably one of the easiest most comfortable SPF moisturisers I’ve ever used. I use it every single morning. Individual price is $33.

Hydralight Moisture-Infusion Lotion – A light night-time moisturiser which is good for containing all of the products, just like wearing a nice overcoat. I wear it at night over the serum. Individual price is $37.

In addition I have started using a Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting AHA Gel exfoliant (because a BHA exfoliant is just not enough). The AHA exfoliant is glycolic and really does pack a punch (gives a bit of a sting) and for me that’s a thumbs up. Individual price is $37. 

And as a day-time serum I use a combination of the Resist Pure Radiance Skin Brightening Treatment (great for fading brown spots and refining skin tone, contains anti-oxidants) along with 4 drops of the Resist C15 Super Booster (a Vitamin C booster). Individual price is $108 for the two.

My lovely 20-year old daughter has also fallen in love with the Paula's Choice products and has found her normally blemish-prone skin to be much clearer and smoother.

So if you okay with a skincare brand that’s not into pretty packing, fancy smelling products, but focused on research and using key ingredients, I encourage you to give them a go. It’s a winner for me.

Paula's Choice is not available in stores here in Australia. They do have an online Australian store and ship (normally for free) within a couple of days.

They do sell sample sized products, so if you're worried about shelling out $$$ without being sure what you're getting, these may be for you.

The also have a YouTube page which is a great source of further information about their product range and philosophy.

This is not a sponsored post. The opinions are my own.

Until next time xx