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Two weeks into my Paula’s Choice skin overhaul, I’m quite impressed. I’ve committed to only using Paula’s Choice skin care (aside from eye cream, which I don’t have from her yet), and I’m already seeing results. My skin is dry and dehydrated, and I do still get acne at 36. It seems mostly food allergy related and hormonal. I’ve had a lot of trouble the past 8 months with break outs. I do have some sun damage and acne scarring on my cheeks, and uneven texture on my chin and cheeks.

When Pretty In My Pocket teamed up with Paula’s Choice, and offered a skin consultation I jumped at the opportunity. Before I even received my products, I was really impressed with the thoroughness of my skin consult. To be honest, it was better than an appointment at my dermatologist. I couldn’t wait to get started!

Here’s what my routine consists of, and what the products do for my skin.

Moisture Boost One Step Cleanser – I use this gentle fragrance free wash after my makeup remover to gently cleanse my skin. It has a light lather, but it doesn’t leave my skin feeling stripped.

Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner – this toner feels more like a serum or essence. It is thicker than a traditional toner, and I feel like it gives my skin a moisture boost before my treatments and face cream.

Clear Daily Skin Treatment 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide – this acne treatment can be used for spot treatment, or used all over. I love this stuff! It’s effective, without being overly drying. It also doesn’t leave that chalky white film behind that so many acne treatments do. Paula’s Choice offers a lot of other acne products that contain salicylic acid, which is a BHA. Most people find this to be a great pimple preventer, and a good product to keep pores clear of blackheads and debris. I’m allergic to salicylic acid, so I am using a combination of benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid (AHA).

Skin Perfecting AHA Gel 8% – this exfoliant smooths skin, lightens discoloration from acne scarring and hyperpigmentation, and stimulates collagen production. This is a fabulous chemical exfoliant, which doesn’t dry my skin out. Sometimes physical exfoliation is too much for my skin, but this seems to be working well. It’s definitely lightening some old scars on my cheeks, and smoothing rough skin out. I don’t use it everyday, but about every other day. I do feel a mild tingle when I apply the AHA Gel. It’s a gel, so it sinks in quickly and doesn’t leave any residue. Works well at night or under makeup.

Resist Intensive Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum – suitable for all skin types, this serum smooths wrinkles, softens lines, increases collagen production, fades sun damage and acne scars. I like this serum so far. I’ve only used it a few times, but I can confirm that it is NOT making me break out, so that’s a win! I plan on using it daily and hope to see long term results, like my acne marks fading and the fine lines around my eyes softened. What I like about it: it’s gentle! This is not a retinol product that’s going to suck the moisture out of your skin like my prescription did. It’s a serum that has some slip to it, and almost feels like an oil-serum. It works well at night or under makeup on my dry skin. I like that it seals completely and blocks light, as retinol is unstable.

Resist Intensive Repair Cream with Retinol – I use this at night as my last step, and in the morning under my makeup. It’s a nice thick cream that my dry skin drinks up. I’ve had no problems using this around my eyes as well.

Resist Cellular Defense Daily Moisturizer with spf25 – this daily moisturizer contains powerful anti oxidants to protect and repair skin from sun damage and environmental stress. I do prefer a physical sunscreen, as opposed to chemical. The good news is this contains 8% titanium dioxide to protect from the sun. This is the one product that didn’t wow me. This moisturizer has great skin loving ingredients, but I just didn’t like the feel of it on my skin under my makeup. It also didn’t layer well under my foundation. I know many others love this particular product, so it may be a good option for you. My skin is notoriously picky with any sunscreen products.

Moisture Renewal Oil Booster – This oil and ceramide moisture boost is a must have for me. I use it alone, or add a few drops to my Intensive Repair Cream. It contains borage seed oil, argan oil, apricot kernel oil, evening primrose oil and jojoba oil. This multi tasker can be used just about anywhere, including your cuticles and to smooth out the ends of hair. (not on Paula’s website, but I tried it!)

Paula’s Choice Nude Matte eyeshadow palette – with all the superb skin care products, you might miss the fact that Paula’s Choice does cosmetics too! I’ve been using this eyeshadow palette almost daily. It’s got a great range of shades, most are neutral toned. There’s nothing too warm or cool in this palette. I think it would be a great place to start if you haven’t experimented with makeup before, or like me you just want ALL THE PALETTES. There is one shimmery ivory shade that’s gorgeous used as a corner of the eye highlight. I also found two shades that work for my brows! The shadows themselves are soft, most are creamy and pigmented.
Blush It On Contour Palette – This blush palette is my new favorite face palette! It contains a shimmery highlight shade, neutral bronzer, and four blush shades: Delicate Coral, Dusty Rose, Peony and Soft Mauve. Each one is smooth and creamy (even though they are a powder), pigmented and long lasting. Perfection!

Soft Mauve, Peony, Dusty Rose, Delicate Coral, Bronze and Pearl highlight.

Do you have any Paula’s Choice favorites? Have you tried anything that you’d recommend? I’m already making a wish list of items I want to try next! If you’d like to receive any of the items I mentioned above (or something else!) PLUS free shipping, please click this link>> Paula’s Choice coupon. I’d love to hear what you get!