Paula’s Choice Resist review

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Make the skincare switch, let Paula Choose!

Let’s be honest, it can be scary to change skincare. Even if what you’re currently using isn’t quite working. (It’s that old saying: better the devil you know…) Which was exactly the case for me: my skincare was not working for me. I bounced around from product to product, was inconsistent with usage and honestly, was not totally sure I was using the right ingredients for my issues. What I needed was a plan, a routine if you will. And a routine was exactly what I got with Paula’s Choice.

But first, you may be wondering who’s Paula and why should I let her choose? Paula Begoun is an expert in the skincare field; an author of 20 books on skincare and makeup, and since 1995, she’s at the helm of her namesake luxurious but affordable line called Paula’s Choice.

One visit to the website and you will walk away with a wealth of knowledge. Paula and her research team offer expert advice on every skin woe you can imagine. Then, they break down EVERY ingredient imaginable for you. We’re talking a 71 page ingredient glossary(yes, you read that right.) For every product on the site, just click on the “ingredients” tab and you can go to any active ingredient’s entry so you’ll know exactly why it’s in the product.

I was lucky enough to have a phone consultation with a team member to get me started on the right path. My issues (wrinkles AND acne, aren’t I blessed?) lead me directly to the Paula’s Choice Resist collection and its products for normal to oily skin, which repair the signs of aging but also puts breakout-prone skin on notice.

My routine (my first skincare routine, EVER) is as follows…

In the AM I use:

Resist Perfectly Balanced Cleanser ($18) – A cream cleanser that foams ever so slightly and leaves skin soft, not stripped. I’ll admit, I’m usually not the biggest cream cleanser fan (I prefer more bubbles) but I like this. And most important, I trust these experts that there’s probably a reason less bubbles is better for me (see: not stripped).

Resist Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner ($23) – I am a religious believer in the power of toner and this only strengthens that belief. It has ingredients to calm skin, diminish the look of pores and build collagen for firmer skin.

Resist Youth-Extending Daily Fluid SPF 50 ($29) – This hydrates without oil, feels uber-lightweight and gives major protection against the sun without the usual smell or feel of spf (which would have been a dealbreaker for me.)

In the PM I use: (when I have a bit more time and the power of sleep on my side)

Added to the Perfectly Balanced Cleanser and Advanced Repairing Toner are…

Resist BHA Exfoliant Set ($63 for two products, also sold separately) – This set includes Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment 2% BHA and the Resist Weekly Retexturizing Foaming Treatment 4% BHA, which as the names suggest are for daily and weekly use. Both are leave-on exfoliants and my favorite products of the whole line up. The gentle Daily Pore-Refining Treatment keeps me look clear and the Retexturizing Foaming Treatment steps in to make sure of it!

I will say, the Foaming Treatment is a tad bit sticky to apply. I imagine it feels like it would if you put mousse on your face (which, it is!) But as soon as you add the Treatment/Serum on top the sticky feeling subsides.

The best part of these is that despite the strong ingredients (like salicylic acid) these don’t leave me dry at all.

Resist Ultra-Light Daily Antioxidant Serum ($34) – A gel-like blend of hyaluronic acid and antioxidants that feels cool and light on the skin.

And the SPF Daily Fluid gets changed out for Resist Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator ($29) – This has a denser feel than the day product, but it’s still light. It delivers moisture but doesn’t feel heavy at all (a reason why I’ve always skipped night creams in the past.)

I have been using the routine for three weeks and am SO impressed with the results! When I started my skin looked congested, I was breaking out every week and I just looked kind of dull. Since starting on Resist, my pores look smaller, my skin looks brighter and I haven’t gotten ONE pimple. Not a one. I can’t remember the last week that’s gone by that I haven’t had a pimple!

Clockwise from left: Cleanser, Daily Antioxidant Serum, Hydrator, Daily Fluid SPF 50 and Retexturizing Foaming Treatment 4% BHA

In addition to the normal to oily products shown here, the Resist line also has products for dry skin and targeted treatments to add in to your routine to customize it (oil boosters, vitamin C, retinols and more.) Now that my skin has been regulated, I’ll be slowly working a retinol serum into the mix (I hear amazing reviews about their retinol products, so I’m excited!)

Perhaps best of all, all seven products total $196. I’m embarrassed to admit I have a product or two on my vanity that cost me more than all seven products!

Bonus look: Paula doesn’t just choose skincare! Check out these fabulous palettes: The Nude Matte eyeshadow palette ($40) and the Blush It On contour palette ($36). So pretty, I can’t wait to dig in…

So, remember, the skincare switch may usually be scary, but it doesn’t have to be with Paula’s Choice: it’s friendly to your skin/friendly to your wallet! Want to check it out? Get 20% off with the code PRIMP20. SHOP HERE.

we heartsters – have you tried Paula’s Choice? Tell us in the comments.