There are times that I find myself really geeking out about people I get to meet in the beauty world or products that I get to try. This is something my husband doesn’t understand unless I put it in terms of Sports or something similar. A month or so ago I was contacted by Paula’s Choice (The Comsetic Cop author of Don’t Go to the Cosmetic Counter Without Me) to review some of their products. I kind of freaked out (in a good way) to my husband and he looked at me like I was kind of a psycho. So I said to him, “it would be like you getting contacted by the Oregon Ducks or the 49ers saying that they had a signed football for you.” Maybe that is a little dramatic of me to say, but still, I have respected Paula’s opinion on product and ingredients way before I ever ventured into the world of beauty blogging. So I was really excited that they wanted me to review their products on my blog!

With that said, like any skincare review I like to be using the product for a few weeks to see how my skin does, and see what I like or dislike about it. I have been on these products for over a month so I definitely feel like I got to really “know” them.

Skin Balancing Oil Reducing Cleanser-

What This Is: “A Skin Balancing Oil-Reducing Cleanser is formulated for normal to oily/combination skin and those prone to blemishes.”

How To Use: “Use morning and evening. Splash the face and eyes generously with tepid to slightly warm water. Apply a small amount of cleanser to your face and eye area with vigorous yet gentle circular motions. Rinse well. Repeat or use with a clean washcloth to remove heavy makeup.”

My Experience: First off, this is one of the largest cleanser bottles I have ever seen which makes for a product that will last you a long time. In addition to that, I really liked how it got off all of my makeup easily, and that I could use it around my eye area without fear of it making me go blind. It also is fragrance free, which is a major plus for me.

Price: $20.36 for a 16oz bottle (killer value).

Skin Balancing Pore Reducing Toner

What This Is: “A toner that has been specially formulated for normal to oily/combination skin. It is also a good option for acne-prone skin.”

How To Use: “Use morning and evening. After cleansing, apply to a cotton pad and gently stroke over face and neck. Do not rinse.”

My Experience: Honestly, I am not a huge toner person and more times than not, I skip this step. But while using this, my perspective shifted and I have an all new appreciation for them– at least this one anyways. Usually when I use a toner, it strips my skin, making the moisturizing step 1,000 percent essential. But this one is different because it actually kept my skin moisturized while removing last traces of makeup.

Price: $13.56 6.4 oz

What

Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid

This Is: This is a “2% BHA (salicylic) Liquid Exfoliant rapidly exfoliates both the skin’s surface and inside the pore, reshaping the pore lining, unclogging pores and improving skin cell turnover rate.”

How To Use: “Can be used once or twice daily after cleansing and toning. You may apply a moisturizer or sunscreen over it as well.”

My Experience: I am kind of a nut when it comes to exfoliating my skin, and I truly don’t think a skin-care regimen is complete unless it has this step. One thing I noticed first when I applied this was the slight tingle sensation, I love that feeling because I know my product is working. After one application, my skin looked more radiant, pores looked tighter, and my skin had a glow. But what really sold me on this was that the party of blackheads on my chin started to work their way up and out the door!

Price: $16.96 4 oz

Resist Intensive Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum

What It Is: “Paula’s Choice RESIST Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum is an exclusive formula that utilizes a proprietary blend of highly stabilized retinol, potent antioxidants, and skin-repairing ingredients. Its soothing, silky texture goes to work immediately to help skin of any age look and act younger. With ongoing use, you will see fewer wrinkles, smoother skin, and improved skin tone.”

How To Use: Apply in the evening after cleansing, toning, and exfoliating. Smooth a few drops onto skin before or after moisturizing.

My Experience: First off, the twist-open-top packaging on this serum is perfect for my busy lifestyle. It’s very user friendly, and it ensure my product will stay inside the container when not in use. I am a huge fan of the combination of retinol and an anti-oxident, both essential to my skin-care routine. I enjoyed the texture of this product and the way it covered my entire face and neck with just one pea sized drop. Since using it, I did notice a slight difference around my eyes, it looks more hydrated, and my fine lines look less prominent when I smile. Although I don’t have a huge issue with fine lines and wrinkles (crossing my fingers and knocking on wood), I know that the anti-oxidant is a free-radical buster, which will keep my skin in tip-top shape!

Price: $27.16 1 oz (killer deal)

Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer With Retinol

What It Is: “RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer contains a unique complex of ingredients proven to remodel your skin by building and preserving collagen, firming skin and protecting against moisture loss. The feather-light, silky texture provides substantial hydration. The active ingredients in the RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer are proven to make a visible difference in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone, and skin firmness.”

How To Use: Apply as the very last step in your regimen.

My Experience: I am glad that this was lightweight and not a cream! After using the other steps, just one pump of this was all the additional moisture I needed. And–once again, the retinol is just an added bonus.

Cost: $20.36 1.7 oz (killer deal)

Overall Skincare Experience and Rating

One of the many reasons why I respect “Paula’s Choice,” is because they are up-front with their ingredients and research. You are getting a product formulated by someone who has researched the ins and outs of skincare. To me, it is clear that Paula wants only the very best for your skin. It also doesn’t hurt that these products are really budget friendly while still remaining high in quality.

After a one month trial, there was no weird skin reactions, or break outs. My skin type (normal-combo) did really well, and my skin looks healthy, refreshed, and hydrated.

Rating: I can’t live without you (5 points)