TikTok is for skincare what reality TV is for Kylie Jenner. From CeraVe to The Ordinary, it’s arguably the driving force behind the enormous success of some of today’s skin brands but lately, one in particular is receiving all of the attention. Enter: Paula’s Choice.
The mastermind behind Paula’s Choice is skin expert Paula Begoun aka the original skincare influencer. Paula is best known for busting myths (micellar water might not be that great for your skin, after all) and cutting through skincare jargon to arm her customers with expert knowledge that has the power to totally transform skin. Her products contain only proven ingredients like retinol and vitamin C, niacinamide and salicylic acid, while her official website boasts the ultimate ingredient index for decoding ingredients lists. In other words, what Paula doesn’t know about skincare isn’t worth knowing, so it makes total sense for her brand to be hogging the TikTok limelight.
As a beauty editor, I’ve tried hundreds of product ranges but I must admit, Paula’s Choice is seriously impressive. It’s one I go back to time and time again to treat my acne and eczema-prone skin. So which products are really worth your money? Below is my roundup of the very best buys and how to slot them into your skincare routine.
It may not exactly be shelfie-worthy but this is one of the very best liquid exfoliators for acne-prone skin, specifically if you want to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads. The star ingredient is 2% salicylic acid, which exfoliates deep inside pores to unclog dead skin, dirt and oil before they can form a spot. Apply a light layer after cleansing and before moisturiser every other evening for clearer, smoother skin. It’s so good, it often sells out (I always use it down to the last drop) but Feelunique has come through.
If you like CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser, you’ll love this. It’s perfect for dry, sensitive skin that tends to feel stripped after cleansing. It very gently removes makeup, oil and dirt but feels ultra moisturising thanks to glycerin, which locks moisture into the skin, and chamomile, which is soothing.
This gel-cream moisturiser is another one of my repeat purchases. It absorbs fast, makes skin feel fresh and doesn’t leave behind a tacky residue. If thick moisturisers break you out but gel types don’t feel substantial enough, this occupies a space between the two. It also makes for a great makeup primer.
Not only is azelaic acid anti-inflammatory (works to bring down redness and swelling) but it reduces the production of skin keratin, which can clog pores and lead to spots, and improves uneven skin tone, too. This solution also boasts salicylic acid, which exfoliates skin gently and prevents blackheads. If you don’t mind playing chemist with your skincare, mix one or two drops with your moisturiser and apply to your skin in the evening. It’s safe for all skin types and can be used every day.
Paula’s Choice Clear CleanserIf your skin is really oily and you’re battling breakouts, this gel cleanser is for you. It cuts through sebum (although not makeup so be sure to remove that beforehand) and makes skin feel clean but not uncomfortably so, thanks to moisturising glycerin. The addition of exfoliating salicylic acid helps keep spots from cropping up. It’ll last you months.
This is one of the more expensive serums in the Paula’s Choice range but the five-star reviews might sway you. Vitamin C is the main ingredient, known for fending off dulling pollution and making skin glow. It’s backed up by ferulic acid, which everyone’s talking about right now. This is an antioxidant, which blocks pollution and other environmental stressors that can otherwise accelerate fine lines and pigmentation over time. I find it too strong to use on its own so your best bet is to mix it with moisturiser and follow with SPF in the morning.
Whether you’re contending with bum spots or keratosis pilaris (otherwise known as ‘chicken skin’ and often occurring on the arms), body blemishes don’t stand a chance against this unscented exfoliating lotion. It isn’t harsh or gritty like a scrub. Instead, it exfoliates skin with AHAs (namely 10% glycolic acid), making it smooth and clear when used regularly.
Paula is notoriously against harsh, gritty scrubs, which could potentially cause tiny tears in the skin and aggravate spots and redness. This ‘scrub’ features dissolvable jojoba beads so it does provide some kind of physical exfoliation, but ever so gently.
Of all Paula’s SPF moisturisers, this is probably the best both texture and ingredient-wise. It’s moisturising but not sticky and protects skin from UV thanks to SPF 30, while antioxidant ingredients shield against environmental pollution. It does have a mineral base, though, so if you find that these types of sunscreen tend to leave behind a slightly white residue, opt for a chemical sunscreen instead.
