Hey guys!
So, originally this product was supposed to be a part of my Empties volume 2 post, but I decided otherwise. And not because I was that impressed with the product itself (I did like it, don’t get me wrong!), but mostly to introduce you to this brand (if you don’t already know about it).
Paula Begoun, The Cosmetics Cop, is some sort of guru in the area of cosmetics and skin care. She wrote a bunch of books, and eventually started her own company: Paula’s Choice.
When I first started getting into skin care, I was confronted with a load of, what seemed to me, crap online. That’s the word, really. I read “expert” opinions on blogs and websites from people who have no idea what they are talking about, and use scientific terms without the slightest clue what those mean. Luckily, it didn’t take me long to find the website of Paula’s Choice and it appealed to me. The reason is very simple. The website has an extensive encyclopedia about cosmetic ingredients and brands….with references to actual scientific journals, meaning you can look up the original research. Given my scientific background, this way of presenting information, appeals to me a lot more than the jibber-jabber of pseudo experts.
You can check out the website here, if you are interested. You can look up pretty much any ingredient in your cream/lotion/serum/whatever, and they provide extensive information about it. It’s fun! 🙂
Anyway, I wanted to try some of their products, and I discovered that they have an online store in the Netherlands (and other countries too, btw). I got a small sample bottle of the Clear Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution with 2% Salicylic Acid:
It costs around €7 for 30ml.
This is how Paula’s Choice describe the exfoliant:
“What makes this product unique?
Clear Extra Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution provides an almost immediate reduction in blackheads, white bumps, and acne by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation with 2% salicylic acid.
Unlike most products designed for acne-prone skin, Clear Extra Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution doesn’t use harsh, irritating ingredients such as alcohol, menthol, peppermint, or camphor that can make acne worse.
Clear Extra Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution is designed to penetrate deeper into the pore lining than our Regular Strength Clear exfoliant for fast, concentrated results on stubborn, more serious breakouts.
Ongoing use can guarantee significantly Clearer, smoother, even-toned skin and can significantly reduce redness from acne lesions.
This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free with a pH range of 3.2-3.8.
Who is this product for?
This product is recommended for all skin types experiencing mild to moderate acne, stubborn blackheads, or white bumps. It is suitable for men or women, teens and adults alike.
NOTE: Those allergic to aspirin (acetylsalicylate) should not use products containing salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid).”
My thoughts:
I used this little bottle for about 2-3 months (once a day, even though they recommend twice), and admittedly I lost some of it during travelling. The bottle definitely isn’t travel-friendly and leaks…perhaps the full-size is better. The exfoliant has no smell and does not irritate or dry out the skin. It feels pleasant and refreshing.
For the rest, I cannot be sure how helpful it has been. The thing is that with my current skin care routine, my face already didn’t look all that bad. In fact, I think it looks better than ever. I hardly ever have pimples…maybe one a few days before my period. And as far as blackheads goes, I think there is only one real solution: the beauty salon. For me anyway..maybe my blackheads have decreased, but they are so many in total, that I could never see the difference.
Perhaps this exfoliant would have seemed more impressive, if my skin was actually more blemished. Or maybe the exfoliant really did its job in improving the condition of my skin, but I am not giving it enough credit. I will found out soon enough ..
….since for now I won’t re-purchse it. I am still planning try some more of Paula’s Choice products in the future, because I do find this company very compelling.
I hope this post was interesting 🙂
Have you ever tried a product from Paula’s Choice? What was it, and what did you think about it? I’d love to gather some more info!!!
See you soon!!!
longlivemakeup 
I didn’t try anything from Paula’s Choice but I got interested in their skin care some time ago and I’d like to try something. I even wrote a letter to ask which skin care products I should get for my skin. I think i will start with exfoliator also as it’s something which should work with other products, I think.
Yes, I think depending on your skin type (dry or oily) they have 2 types of exfoliants (AHA and BHA), but it’s definitely a product that works well with everything 🙂 I am very curious how are going to like it. Let me know when you try!
I read that for blackheads BHA is good. because it goes inside pore so I think I will try like that. Big size is pretty expensive and we have on local site only two bha exfoliators in small size, but I think 30 ml should be enough to see whether it’s good or not product. Not to waste on big one. And I think I will write about when I finally get to it:))
Yes, I also had the BHA one…I have blackheads and pores and all that good stuff, bleh :P.
The full size is pretty expensive for my taste here as well, that’s why I got the 30ml one. It lasts for a good few months, so you can definitely form an opinion about it. Let me know how it goes!!! 🙂
Few months?wow! I definitely will take small! Thank you so much for responses. I hesistated for some time whether I should get it or not.:)
Well I did use it only once a day, maybe that’s why it lasted me longer 🙂 You are most welcome!