NEED TO KNOW: A 101 Guide to PAULA’S CHOICE
It’s transparent, it’s trustworthy and it empowers its fans by challenging misinformation in the beauty industry. Those are just three of the reasons why {PAULA’S CHOICE} has become such a go-to for smart and safe {skin care}. The brand was founded by Paula Begoun in 1995, 20 years after she was fired from her cosmetic counter job for telling clients the truth about what products could and couldn’t do for skin. More than three decades on, Paula remains committed to uncovering the truth.
Let’s take a detailed look at PAULA’S CHOICE and its bestselling products, then we’ll hear from {Natalie} from the Cult Concierge team about the best PAULA’S CHOICE products for different skin types and how to use this smart skin care brand.
PAULA'S CHOICE CLEANSERS
{CLEAR CLEANSER}: hard on blemishes but gentle to skin
This refreshing gel cleanser is ideal for easily congested skin types. Blemish-battling hero salicylic acid stars alongside skin-replenishing and hydrating glycerin and panthenol (vitamin B5) to clean out pores without stripping skin of essential moisture.
163
£22.00
{OMEGA+ COMPLEX CLEANSING BALM}: comforts and refreshes
This triple-action cleansing balm is formulated with omegas 3, 6 and 9 to cleanse, soften and soothe your skin - for a thorough cleanse without disrupting your skin’ barrier.
80
£29.00
PAULA'S CHOICE BHAS
{SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA LIQUID EXFOLIANT}: for a clearer complexion
This gentle leave-on exfoliant is the perfect antidote to congested skin. Loaded with BHA salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells, this formula helps to reduce breakouts and blackheads for a clearer complexion.
This product is also available as a lotion or gel. If you have dry and sensitive skin, go for the lotion formula. This absorbs slightly slower and has a lotion-like, creamy consistency. For those wanting targeted spot treatment, or if you’d prefer something lightweight and non-sticky then the gel is great! The global bestseller is without a doubt their liquid formulation, which is the strongest of all and will get to work fast, but if you have sensitive, dry or reactive skin, start with the lotion or gel first.
1633
£35.00
{2% BHA BODY SPOT EXFOLIANT}: for brighter, smoother skin
Exfoliate dry, rough and bumpy skin on your arms and legs with this potent yet gentle lotion, infused with salicylic acid to slough away dead skin cells, diminish the appearance of pores and leave you with brighter and smoother skin.
78
£34.00
{CLEAR REGULAR STRENGTH 2% BHA EXFOLIANT}: a gentle formula for congested skin
This lightweight and gentle exfoliant helps to reduce breakouts and prevent future ones. Salicylic acid unclogs pores and removes debris, aiding congestion and leaving you with a clearer and brighter complexion.
24
£33.00
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE MY BHA FROM PAULA’S CHOICE?
Make sure you gradually acclimatise your skin to your new BHA treatment. Start using it on alternate nights, and if your skin responds well and you feel you’d benefit from more frequency, gradually increase this to nightly application.
Finding your skin is feeling a little dry? You’re probably just using a little too much too soon, so drop down your usage and slowly build it up. SPF is your skin’s best friend too, so don’t forget to apply this daily alongside your targeted treatments!
PAULA'S CHOICE RETINOL PRODUCTS
{RESIST BARRIER REPAIR MOISTURISER WITH RETINOL}: a skin reviver
Infused with retinol and a potent mix of antioxidants, this hardworking moisturiser strengthens skin, and promotes firmer, younger-looking skin.
61
£38.00
{1% RETINOL BOOSTER}: a night-time hero
In this bestselling product, 1% retinol, liquorice root extract and oat extract unite to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce pore size and improve skin tone. It’s a must-add to your night time routine.
10
£51.00
PAULA’S CHOICE BOOSTERS
The boosters from PAULA’S CHOICE are perfect for anyone wanting to up their game in their skin care regime to target specific concerns.
{10% NIACINAMIDE BOOSTER}: your secret weapon against oil and breakouts
Reduce oil production and improve skin texture with this potent concoction of niacinamide (vitamin B3), panthenol (vitamin B5) and acetyl glucosamine. This is a great choice for those looking to target post-inflammatory pigmentation or scarring left behind from breakouts.
22
£49.00
{HYALURONIC ACID BOOSTER}: for a hydration hike
Give your skin an extra dose of hydration with this combination of hyaluronic acid, panthenol (vitamin B5) and ceramides. It instantly smooths skin and visibly plumps fine lines and wrinkles - prepare to become obsessed!
9
£41.00
{PEPTIDE BOOSTER}: for youth preservation
The Peptide Booster unites eight - yes eight - peptides, each one addressing a specific youth-preserving concern, from loss of radiance to fine lines and wrinkles. This is an ideal alternative to retinol for sensitive skin types.
{C15 SUPER BOOSTER}: for radically brighter skin
This booster combines ferulic acid with vitamin E and 15% vitamin C to diminish fine lines and wrinkles as well as dark spots and hyperpigmentation. The result? Smoother, brighter and firmer-feeling skin. Get ready to glow!
{10% AZELAIC ACID BOOSTER}: a multi-tasking hero
Azelaic acid, salicylic acid and plant extracts are combined in this multi-tasking hero to visibly fade brown spots, reduce breakouts and diminish red marks from past blemishes. Et voila - a more even and radiant complexion.
256
£41.00
SHOULD I BE USING A BOOSTER?
Those wanting a simple and streamlined routine certainly don’t ‘need’ a Booster! These were created to target specific concerns, with a higher concentration of your specific ingredients to help you customise your regime and reach your skincare goals.
PAULA'S CHOICE MOISTURISERS (AND SPFS)
{RESIST YOUTH-EXTENDING DAILY HYDRATING FLUID SPF 50}: for sun protection without congestion
This weightless moisturiser fuses broad spectrum SPF 50 with nourishing antioxidants to not only protect your skin, but to promote a more youthful, smooth and hydrated complexion too. The cherry on top? A soft matte finish. It’s everything we want from an SPF and more!
90
£39.00
{RESIST ANTI-AGEING SKIN RESTORING MOISTURIZER SPF 50}: a must-have, multi-tasking moisturiser
This multi-tasking moisturiser features SPF 50 to protect skin from premature signs of ageing and sun damage, shea butter to soften and hydrate, and niacinamide and liquorice root extract for an even-toned complexion. It’s the ideal SPF if you want to avoid a white cast too. We really meant it when we called it a multi-tasker!
79
£39.00
{CLEAR ULTRA-LIGHT DAILY MATTIFYING FLUID SPF 30+}: for anti-shine sun protection
Created for breakout-prone skin types, this lightweight moisturiser minimises shine, keeps skin balanced, healthy and calm, and protects against the damaging effects of sun damage - all in one!
36
£39.00
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH RANGE TO USE FROM PAULA’S CHOICE?
The ranges from Paula’s Choice make finding your perfect routine hassle-free, but that’s not to say you can’t mix and match - as you’ll see below! You might be breakout-prone but wanting to target dehydration, so you would benefit from mixing the Hydrating Booster into your regime from the Clear range. Struggling with a compromised skin barrier but still wanting to help soften and smooth surface lines and wrinkles? Mixing your products up between the Resist Anti Ageing and the Omega + ranges will give you the best of both worlds.
WHICH PAULA'S CHOICE PRODUCTS SHOULD I USE?
BEST PAULA’S CHOICE PRODUCTS FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN
{Clear Cleanser} {Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant} (go for the {Lotion Exfoliant} for very dry, breakout-prone skin or the {Gel Exfoliant} for combination skin and anyone after a thicker consistency than the liquid formula). {Clear Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+} New – {Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel}
BEST PAULA’S CHOICE PRODUCTS FOR OILY SKIN
BEST PAULA’S CHOICE PRODUCTS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
If you have sensitive skin, look to the Omega+ range.
IS PAULA’S CHOICE SUITABLE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN?
PAULA’S CHOICE formulates without any fragrances (which can cause irritation and inflammation in the skin), and ensures every formula has a stable pH level to avoid any possible sensitivity. As always, it’s important to figure out what your triggers are if you struggle with sensitivity!
Unsure what you are sensitive to? Our experts in {Cult Concierge} are on hand to help you go through your whole routine and help with any beauty quandaries, nothing is too big or small! A great way to find out if you do respond well to a new product is to patch test it before fully introducing it to your routine. You can do this by simply applying the product to a small area of clean, dry skin on your inner wrist. Wait 24-48 hours to see if you get any response, and if not then you’re good to go!
BEST PAULA’S CHOICE PRODUCTS FOR DRY SKIN
BEST PAULA’S CHOICE PRODUCTS FOR MATURE SKIN
{Peptide Booster} {1% Retinol Booster} for those used to retinol, or if you’re just starting on your retinol journey, try the {Resist Barrier Repair Moisturiser with Retinol} to acclimatise your skin. {Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream}
BEST PAULA’S CHOICE PRODUCTS FOR HYPERPIGMENTATION
{Clinical 20% Niacinamide Treatment} {C15 Super Booster} {10% Azelaic Acid Booster} {Resist Anti-Ageing Skin Restoring Moisturiser SPF 50}
